January is my favorite time of the year. It’s a time for reflecting on last year and setting goals for the coming year. It’s a time to dream about what can be and strategize how to get there. It’s a time to make decisions for change and seek a fresh start.

But what if I told you that you are only one decision away from the life you’ve always wanted . . . and it’s probably not the decision you’re thinking.

While I’m a huge fan of goal setting and planning, there’s one decision I’ve found that always holds the key to my happiness. Every time I’ve dreamed of a new and exciting future, I’ve first had to decide to embrace the place God has me today. It’s not an easy decision to make.

When I met my husband I was instantly in love. I would have married him right away, but it took two years before he finally proposed. I’ve owned two different homes that took at least two years to sell. And when I was ready to go into full-time ministry I waited a year and a half before an opportunity presented itself. (There’s more I could list but you get the point.)

In each circumstance, I plotted and planned. I set goals, strategized, and implemented—all to no avail. Over and over I had to come to the place where I could honestly pray, “God, if you don’t want me to move on, it’s okay with me. I’ll be happy here. I’ll embrace the place you have me today.” And. . . I had to mean it.

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. (Proverbs 16:9)

While goal setting and life planning are very important steps to achieving our dreams, we can’t forget that ultimately God is in control.

I’ll never forget my husband’s response after I vented my frustration as I waited for God to open a door to full-time ministry. After I complained about my lack of opportunity, my husband said, “Did you ever consider that God might have simply called you to minister to those He puts in your path today?” Ouch! I now see that if I wasn’t willing to minister to those I encountered then, how could I have ever ministered today to the wider net He has cast for me?

What about you? Are you starting this year with big goals and dreams? If so, you are only one decision away from the fulfillment for which you long. Decide to embrace the place God has for you today. Make your plans, set your goals, and tell Him your dreams, but be happy where He has you in this moment. Remember that the LORD establishes your steps and He knows what you need more than you do. He will get you where you need to go.