An old proverb asks the question, “How do you eat an elephant?” The REAL question, in my mind, is WHY do you want to eat an elephant? Once past that bit of philosophical nonsense, the answer is always “one bite at a time.”

That’s the way we are supposed to attack difficult projects in our life, business, family, household, isn’t it?  Breaking down the bigger piece and somehow picking a bite to chew for a while before moving to the next tough morsel. Not very exciting, is it?! I mean, if you’re going to eat an elephant, shouldn’t it at least be good?

I think the reason I have never wanted to tackle the Fruit of the Spirit (doesn’t it sound just too spiritual for the real world?) was that those nine characteristics seemed like too big an elephant to chew.  The granddaddy of them all - the end of the list, the end-all/be-all, the ONE that would always stop me in my tracks - was self control.  Who (besides my husband, Jeff, who is annoying in his perfection), even having conquered the other eight could truly boast that they had swallowed that one?

So, when asked to choose one to focus on this year, I assumed it would be the one that always eluded me… I was wrong!

I’d already spent a bit of time in reflection about this new year.  I’ve got goals. BIG ones. Financial goals, fitness goals, faith and family goals (see what I did there?) That’s not really different from most years, but as the idea of choosing what to focus on meshed with what I want to accomplish - what I truly feel God wants to do in my life this year - only one word fit: FAITHFULNESS.

I’ve always been a “fly by the seat of my pants”, “I’m better with a deadline” kinda gal.  A little pressure, a little urgency and it all, usually, comes together.  But as I’ve matured I see the danger in postponing, waiting ‘til the last minute.  I said to Jeff the other day, “I’m just 11 years from retirement age! I’ve gotta get crackin!!’” (to which he replied, “Duh! I’ve been telling you that for 30 years!”)  He’s the faithful one.  He’s the one who consistently accomplishes something. He can be counted on day in and day out to do what he says he will do.  Me, not so much.

Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful” (1 Corinthians 1:9). I’ve been given gifts - finances, fitness, faith, and family - which require stewardship.  God has trusted me with them.  Shouldn’t I be faithful to increase them, like the servant who doubled his talents in Jesus’ story (Matthew 25)?

And if I truly want MORE - more finances (yes, LORD!), fitness (Help me, Jesus!) and a great relationship with God (I neglect Him too often) and family (Jeff can’t do it ALL) - faithfulness is front and center.  “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things…” That’s Jesus’ highest accolade for His followers.  Well done, FAITHFUL.

What makes me think I can do it this year when my past says, “same-o, same-o; no way, Jose`”? 

Four strategies:

1. One Bite at a Time

Most experts say that you can’t change everything all at once.  I’ve picked three areas to focus on: Saving money, daily quiet time, and fitness.

2. Consistency

True change comes with consistency (feels a little like faithfulness, doesn’t it?) I look at my progress daily– did I save anything today? Did I meet with the Father? Did I get my 10,000 steps in?  I celebrate daily wins (calendar or journal or phone diary). Tracking makes all the difference in consistency. Consistency builds habits. Habits change your life!

3. Look at It, Look for It

I keep the word – FAITHFULNESS – in front of me. It’s written on my “to-do” list for every day. The scriptures I’ve found that relate to it are written down, and I read them every day during my quiet time.  Whenever I read it anywhere, I highlight it (would you believe the words “faithful” and “faithfulness” are in everything?! I found it in my Success magazine, Bible verses, personal development books! Sheesh!). I’m now tuned in to how God might speak to me about this fruit.

4. Refocus

I remind myself that the Fruit of the Spirit is about being, not just doing. When I fail (only 6,112 steps on Wednesday, and no money in my saving jar), I receive God’s grace and recommit.

So this year I will spend less and save more.  Eat less and exercise more.  Be present in moments with God and my family, not distracted by Facebook feeds or TV shows or meaningless self-indulgences. One bite at a time. Suddenly, the elephant is not so big. I can feast. “The Lord rewards everyone for their righteousness and faithfulness” (1 Samuel 26:25a).

Rather than a “resolution” for this new year, I have a RESOLVE.

I will be faithful.