A lot of people, especially bloggers, choose one word or phrase to focus on for the year. I often do that, but don’t always talk about it. However, today I am briefly mentioning my one word—“release”—because it relates to a negative and persistent habit I’ve had in my life. Perhaps it is one you can relate to as well … the “grab-it habit.” <sigh>

I like to think of myself as someone who does the necessary purging of the “out-of-date and unhealthy” in my life. Unfortunately, I’ve let more things accumulate in my life than I’ve released.

My house is case in point! My husband and I have tried for at least two years now to get our house ready for market. We desperately need to downsize as empty-nesters. But as empty-nesters, I’ve also got a house FULL of my stuff, my husband’s stuff, and especially my three son’s stuff. I have not “released” those things over the years and now find myself overwhelmed by the task!

[Tweet “That’s the “grab-it habit” in all of its full-blown glory! #release2016”]

Taken from observations made in my own life, I’ve discovered that there are at least five signs of this ugly habit at work in a person’s life.

Signs You May have a “Grab-it Habit” …

1. You get too “comfortable” with the here and now—resisting change.

I think the older I get, the more I want to stay in my “comfort-zone.” But that’s not where God wants you and me to stay! After all, Jesus clearly said …

“Anyone does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life, for my sake will find it.” ~Mt. 10:38-39

[Tweet “I don’t think carrying my cross means I can bring the cushy pillows of my comfort zone with me!”]

2. You tend to jump ahead of God instead of letting Him lead.

Ooh! This is a big hurdle for me, especially in my marriage. Hubster will testify! I often give-in to the temptation to “fix” the conflict or speak my mind when I should let the Lord do the convicting! See Isaiah 40:31 for more inspiration!

3. You tend to give yourself permission to “indulge” more than denying yourself.

This is one that I’ve really been convicted about and it relates to both number #1 and #2. I’ve come to the conclusion that any permission I give myself to do something unwise or decadent lowers my ability to resist the next time. I’m not going to be a legalist here, but I do want to err on the side of self-control.

3. You focus more on the negatives than thanking God in all circumstances.

I get snagged here way more than I would like to admit. It is a discipline that takes great intentionality, because …

[Tweet “It’s just so tempting to focus on the negative! Can I get an “amen”? #begrateful”]

But the apostle Paul gave us a no-exceptions challenge …

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, Rejoice!” ~Phil. 4:4

4. You don’t get serious about releasing persistent sins in your life.

I am trying more than ever this year to daily incorporate the practice outlined in Psalm 139:23-24. I will ask the Lord to examine if there is any offensive way in my heart and then endeavor to respond obediently to what He shows me. Often this feels more like a work-in-progress than something I can check off my spiritual “to-do” list, but I’m okay with that lack of closure. It is the stuff of life!

What about you?

Which of the habits listed above has been your sticking point?

How are you working on “releasing” in your life?

Linking up with – Mommy Moments, Weekend Whispers, Making Your Home Sing,  Mondays @ Soul Survival, Faith ‘n Friends, Word of God Speak,  Sharing His Beauty, Spiritual Sundays, Words with Winter, Sitting Among Friends, Family, Friendship and Faith, DanceWithJesusFriday and Playdates with God