The Most Important Resolution
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Thursday, January 1, 2009 • Barbara Parentini
Today is New Year's Day, 2009, a day of new beginnings.
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
The Most Important Resolution
Today is New Year's Day, 2009, a day of new beginnings. 365 days a year, we start each day anew, so why is New Year's Day any different? Personally, New Year's Day marks a new chapter in my life as I take stock of how things unfolded over the past year-what went according to plan and what went adrift. Funny how some resolutions don't seem nearly as important as they appeared a year ago.
I like to look at my life on this new day as a good time to find the areas of clutter and eliminate them, locate stuff piling up and give it the boot, and usher in a few resolutions to kick-off my new year in the right direction. Usually I cover most of the bases~ physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Yesterday I took a load of clothes to the PTA Thrift Store. The closets breathed a little fresh air, and so did I. I've cleared my desk, organized computer files, and pulled out my worn French books with the intention of refreshing the ole Francais to prepare for French 3.
I don't think I need to consult with Dr. Phil to know that taking a mental and emotional inventory may be in order. Am I still hanging onto feelings and circumstances that don't serve my goals-the greater goals-for my life and His kingdom? You know, the ones that rob time, talent, and treasure right out of your holidays, not to mention the other twelve months of the year? So I ask myself: Am I wasting time trying to change situations that don't ever change and show up each year right in time for the holidays, only to find my work derailed for weeks? Yes, I admit I have; however, I'm getting better about setting boundaries.
Needless to say, we're a solution-driven culture. If you have a problem, you can bank on someone professing a solution. One of the most important lessons I am learning (do I admit it has taken many New Years to grasp it?), is to unload my cares, disappointments, aspirations, and failed expectations to the Master Planner; to lay down my resolutions at the feet of Jesus, and run it by His plan for my life. I am learning that the sooner I pray about strife-ridden circumstances, and wheel-spinning situations I cannot change, the better the outcome and more peace I enjoy.
Not only does the Lord give the strength I need to keep the faith long after New Year's Day is past, but His vision is able to see beyond 2009, into my eternal future. Now that's what I call real resolution.
I'm glad I have eternity to look forward to…. I'm going to need it by the look of this list of New Year's resolutions.
Happy, Blessed New Year y'all,
Barbara
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