A New's Year's Resolution to keep 7/24/365

Tis’ the season for New Year’s Resolutions. The beginning of the New Year gives us a unique opportunity to think of ways that this year might be different. How many of us begin the New Year with good intentions to lose weight, get into shape, quit bad habits, or to be a better person. Unfortunately, by the end of mid-January, we would have forgotten half of our list and retreated to our old familiar comfort ways of living. Can you hear the donut calling your name like the White Castle craves? 

I am amazed how resolutions can be so narcissistic. They deal with US and how WE are going to better ourselves. No wonder WE have problems following through with OUR goals. Maybe, this year, our New Year’s Resolutions, if you are into that sort of thing, should focus on others and acts of spiritual disciplines. For instance, let us make a list that will bullet point this year’s resolutions. Maybe this year our pledge might look like:

1. To remember people who need my gifts
2. To express my love for family and friends in more direct ways than presents;
3. To rededicate myself to the spiritual growth of my family;
4. To examine my holiday activities in light of the true spirit of giving;
5. To initiate one act of peacemaking within my circle of family and friends 

For me, a New Year’s list ought to deal with loving God first and foremost and to love our neighbors as ourselves. This is a New Year’s resolution that I can live with. What do you think?

Have a Happy and Most Blessed New Year,

Pastor Dan Martian