Have you made any resolutions for 2013? Resolutions abound for many of us each January
– even if we do not express them out loud. A new year allows us an opportunity
to reflect, re-evaluate, and resolve how to live in the coming year.
You could call them the New Years’ 3 R’s. Every January many of us resolve to eat less,
exercise at least three times per week, pay down debt, spend less, read more
books, be more faithful in family devotions, plan that awesome family vacation,
play more, spend more time with family, worry less, lose ten pounds, read the
Bible daily, spend less time on Facebook, volunteer in the community, pray
more, get organized, learn something new, take more walks, be more thankful,
laugh more, be more compassionate, eat more vegetables, etc., etc. It is
interesting that most resolutions involve doing some things less and other
things more. Resolutions, in and of themselves, can be very helpful - as they
can focus our actions towards positive choices. But many find following through
with resolutions for twelve months difficult, if not impossible.
As many of you, I have often been disappointed in the
results of my noble resolutions. We can become discouraged when we do not live
up to our own lofty goals or plans for the coming year. Sometimes circumstances
outside of our control can make our plans out of reach or impossible or even
irrelevant.
The famous comedy writer, Woody Allen, is credited with
saying, “if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.” I appreciate that
type of humour and humility – not to mention the theology behind it.
As individuals, family members, and even as a school
community, may we “seek first His kingdom and his righteousness” (Matt. 6:33). May
we commit all of our plans to the Lord and His kingdom, be open to His leading,
and we will be surprised where He takes us if we faithfully follow.
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