New Year's Resolutions

I love new beginnings. I enjoy the idea of a fresh start, a blank page, an unmarked calendar. It reminds me of the opportunity I have to make a change, choose a new direction, refocus my energies on things that really matter.

The year just past was the last in a series of extremely challenging ones for our family, and for me, in particular. We had to face the deaths of close family members, climb the mountain of health problems and adjust to changes in our family routines because of children reaching adulthood. Additionally, we left our church home of nearly ten years and began attending another fellowship.

This, in combination with the new year has prompted me to make some resolutions. First, I resolve to live each day in the full awareness of God's great mercy to me and to my family. I want to wake and inhale the fresh air of my country home, enjoy the warmth of my husband's arm around me and cherish the sounds of my children getting ready in the morning for school and for home life. I will choose to focus on the blessings I have been given--new life in Christ Jesus--and all the material provision that has been made for me to live without fear of tomorrow.

Second, I resolve to treat each person I come in contact with as an individual, made in the image of God--with a soul and a purpose and a life that matters as much to them as mine does to me. I will take time to talk to them--look them in the eye, not use my cell phone in the checkout line and thank them sincerely for any service done for me. I will try to ask pertinent questions and to bless them by paying attention to their answers. Just as my Father in heaven cares for me, knows my name and listens to my concerns, I want to listen to others.

Third, I resolve to rid myself and my surroundings of clutter. I am making a concious effort to dump from my memory any grudges or old hurts. I am throwing away those old papers that I haven't looked at in years--I'm no more likely to look at them now. I will pick up after myself as I go through the day instead of piling things up and assuming I will put them away "later". It'll mean more trips up the stairs, but stronger legs in the end :-) I am not going to buy something just because it's on sale (even on clearance!!) thinking I will use it one day. I am going to rearrange my kitchen, bath and bedroom so that those items I use daily are easily accessible and easy to put away.

Fourth, I resolve to spend time each day in unscheduled "play". Whether I take a walk, go out and play with the horses, read a book, write notes to friends or make a few phone calls--I'm going to push back the urgent to make room for the important.

Fifth, I resolve to enjoy these fleeting years that are remaining when all of us are at home (at least part of the time) before marriage and jobs and graduate school mean months and maybe years of separation. I will laugh at the jokes, listen to the friendly banter, smile at the little rivalries and jabs the boys pass back and forth. I will relish the bedtime conversations and the love and trust they build between us.

Finally, I resolve to commend my husband to others. Too often, it is easy to make passing jests that gently poke fun at the man God has given me for a husband. I will focus on his strong points, encourage his pursuits, do the things that make his day easier and bless him by serving him.

I pray that God will help me live up to these resolutions. They are ones which will make life more meaningful. I've given up on the "lose 20 pounds" kinds of promises. If I am 20 pounds lighter in a year, it won't make much difference to anyone except my doctor. But if I am a sweeter, more relaxed, more involved person--it will make a difference to everyone I meet.