In 2008, I resolve to . . . .
What did you resolve to do in 2008? Did you write it down? Make a list? Was it longer than your grocery list? Did you make any resolutions or goals at all?
In years past I have had goals and resolution lists longer than the Constitution and all it’s amendments. . . . . ok . . . maybe not quite that long . . . but close! And each year I felt like a big fat loser in looking at how many resolutions and goals I actually kept or obtained in the 12 months God gave me that year. So last year I decided to do things differently. . . .
I didn’t make any goals or resolutions! I figured – if you don’t make ’em, you won’t fail at keeping them! 🙂
It worked! 🙂 I am happy to report that I didn’t fail at keeping any sort of resolutions this year. And I am still the same weight as last year, my house is just as messy, I saw the same amount of friends, and my spending habits didn’t change. 🙂
Is that good? . . . . yes and no.
I do have to say though – it is nice to not feel like a failure at the end of the year. 🙂 But I also would have loved to have felt a little toner, had a few more dollars in my savings account, seen a few more friends, and had my house a little cleaner (but not done by me! hee,hee) – amongst other things.
However, God has been teaching me a lot the past couple years about learning to just “BE”. Be in- the moment, the situation, the day, the presence of friends or family, the happiness, the sadness, the good times and bad, etc.
And above all – He has been reiterating to me the importance of the only resolution and goal I ever need to have – not just each Jan. 1st – but every day –
Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
as well as . . .
Matthew 22:36-40 – “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
My only goal and resolution in 2009 and everyday of my life is to be a Lover of God – to seek Him first – His kingdom and His righteousness – and let Him take care of the rest! He can do it! He does it all the time! We just have to trust Him to follow through with His promises when we follow through with ours!
If I am loving God with all my heart – the rest will come . . . I will love myself more (because I will know WHO I am in Christ and how God sees me) – which may lead to taking care of myself more – toning up the gravity-induced sagging areas, resting more, etc. It will lead to loving others more (as I have learned to love myself) – so more time will be spent with family and friends. It will lead to a more balanced approach to how I spend my money (which I’ve done fairly well at – but there’s ALWAYS room for improvement!). It may even lead to a cleaner house . . . . . maybe . . . maybe not. 🙂 It may just take off the stress that I feel about it – realizing that people and God are so much more important than a clean house!! A friend may pass away tomorrow . . . but the messes never will!! They will only continue! So . . . choose people over cleaning any day! That’s my philosophy! 🙂 (so – come visit me . . . but expect to be able to write me a note in the dust on my furniture! . . . . ok . . . it’s not always that bad!)
I hope you have a wonderful New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day!
I know that God LOVES new beginnings! He invented them! If 2008 hasn’t been the best year for you . . . look forward with anticipation to a new beginning in 2009! Seek God first and foremost – and you can’t go wrong!! Give Him your worries, your resolutions, your goals and ask Him for His! They are always MUCH better than anything we could dream up!!
Blessings!!
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