resolutions 101

 

Here it is, the precipice of yet another "new year." Did your resolutions from this past year get carried out or left in the dust? A resolution is just another word for "habit." So many vow they will quit smoking, or lose weight/diet/exercise. And really, they do try. It's just that other stuff gets in the way.

How about those bad habits that also need a reality check? With two holiday parties down and one more to go before the year is actually over, how many of you made it through them without backstabbing another member of the family--present or not? Or were you sure to cut him or her down on the ride home (or during the clean-up process afterwards?) No one is perfect...I dare you to canvass the globe in search of that one perfect person. We all know that families and friends can be a pain...they have issues that we don't like or appreciate. However, does it make YOU a better person to run them into the ground? If you can't say it to their face, does it make you stronger person saying it when they aren't there to defend themselves? 

Then there is the competition. Aunt Mary brought a gift for the kiddos that seemed a bit cheap...at least  to you. It was "just a book." Or it was "just a sweater." Those sentiments are not lost on our kids. "Just a book?" Why be grateful, right? "I wanted an iPad!" one ten year old screamed at her mother on a "funny video show" recently. Wow...really? with an attitude such as that, is it any wonder our kids are growing up to be spoiled brats? I have been there in the shoes of the "just a book" crowd. I witnessed when one two year old received books that talk if you plugged them into a console. The machine will "read to the child." What about bonding? What about snuggling up to an adult and getting lost in the comfort of a human voice? It made my gift of "just a book" seem so.....worthless, for lack of  a better word. It has been over a year and still no 'thank you' has been offered either. Ah, technology....Huge sigh.

What about showing gratitude for a gift? Writing a thank you note or even just telling the giver "thank you" goes so far also! A gift is just that...it is not a mandatory offering but rather, something given out of love. Whether it is liked or not isn't the point...it IS an offering of love! Somehow though, we have taken with the notion that if it is a holiday or a birthday, that we ought to be the recipient of SOMETHING...and if we don't get it or don't like it...well, see above paragraph about backstabbing.

This year, resolve to be grateful. Resolve to be loving. Resolve to SHOW kindness to another with no thought of a reward. Don't count the acts of kindness, just do them! Everyone loves a cheerful giver, so the saying goes. Let the words that flow from your mind and mouth be supportive. Don't gossip. Gossiping just stirs the pot of hate and hurt. Apologize if you were wrong. Forgive another if they apologize to you. What good does it do to harbor ill will? Look back into your past...if someone hurt you, just let...it...go. Rise above it. Show maturity. Live your life as if Jesus were standing right beside you--because in fact--He is. Why embarrass yourself in front of Him?