It’s a new year, a time for renewal, recharge...rebirth.
It’s been almost a week into the new year, and hopefully many resolutions and goals are still being pursued.
Setbacks do happen though.
One year, I vowed to stop drinking soda pops altogether. I lasted until Jan. 2 when I found a RC soda machine outside my college dorm room. That was probably the most refreshing drink I had ever had in my life.
I then made a resolution right then and there to never do something so suddenly drastic. What was I thinking?
I notice that many New Year’s resolutions focus on physical desires, goals and ambitions.
Memberships to gyms seem to skyrocket at the turn of the new year. It appears as if the potato chip aisle has more of a selection these days while the produce section is getting the attention it has craved. Boxes of new hair colors and bottles of face cream fly off the shelves.
It is the time of the year that people want to shed a few pounds, try out a new look or begin healthier eating habits.
There is nothing wrong with that if that is what you have set your mind to when it comes to resolutions.
But I want to try something different this year. Instead of working on outward, physical goals...I’m shooting for an inner transformation this year.
I want to pick up my Bible more, work on my relationship with God and strengthen my faith.
I want to try to give back to my fellow man more than usual.
I want to work on my patience. With three children and a hectic job, that is one that is really going to take a sincere effort.
I want to think about what I say before I shoot off at the lip. I am blessed with the Irish gift of the gab, which helps with conversation and story-telling. But it is also a curse with its loose words.
I want to become more child-like without being childish.
Hold my husband’s hand more.
Give those extra hug and kisses to my children.
Make time for my real friends and let them know how much I value their friendship.
Try to let go of grudges. Be nice to my enemies. I think this one might be the most difficult for me. My stubborn nature can be a big stumbling block.
Leave work at the office. My husband and children deserve my attention at home. Nothing else should interfere with that precious time.
Thank God more for a new day. And thank Him for the past ones. They have molded me into who I am and made some great memories along the way.
Laugh more. Grumble less. Smile wider. And catch those tears.
I think if I can focus on all these internal targets, maybe all the physical intentions will fall into place. It seems that maybe they could go hand-in-hand.
I want to add more fuel to the fire inside of me. Worries, work, stress, arguments, bitterness, money...life can sometimes turn that spark into a smoldering ash.
But if you work on that spark from the inside, underneath the tough bark and crumbling exterior, you will soon have a blaze to warm the world.
