Well, happy new year and welcome to the messy table where life is not perfect but God is constantly at

work in our mess. I'm Jen, the host of this podcast that airs every other Tuesday where each

episode I chat with real women about real life and the God who meets us right where we are.

So whether you're listening from the carpool line, from your desk, got a sink full of dishes,

or maybe you're out for a run in this chilly weather.

I'm just honored to have you joining me.

And though I'm personally partnered with Life Church, it doesn't matter if you're part of another

church across the city or globe, or maybe you're not even sure what you believe, but curious

about what goes on at this table.

Just know you are welcome and wanted in this highly imperfect space.

And today's not only a new day, but a new year.

I guess it's that time when everyone reevaluates her life. Some want to be healthier, more organized,

maybe lose a few pounds, or finally start digging up and pursuing those big dreams and goals,

all of which are great things. But one of the best things we can do is kick off the year with

the right perspective. One of my

favorite quotes by C.S. Lewis says, we are half-hearted creatures fulling about with drink and sex and

ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum

because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at sea. We are far too easily

pleased. This new year, I don't want to settle for mud pies when oceans of infinite joy are available.

I don't want to settle for wasting our lives when God has given us a timeless purpose and mission.

But the problem is we often get things backwards. We're looking for the little bells and whistles

and toys

...