I'm not sure when it happened, but there came a time when I simply stopped making New Years' Resolutions. I guess I thought it became pointless since they usually get broken or forgetten before the ice thaws in the Rockies. I know I made them as a kid, in fact, I remember once writing them down and then trading 'em with a cousin-- although we never followed through with keeping each other accountable.
But this year, I've decided to go for it. With everything I've been learning this last year it seems fitting to set some simple goals for this fresh, new year. Let me preface it by reflecting on something that an old friend and pastor once said to a bunch of college kids on the verge of heading home for the summer... it was something to the effect of this:
Get involved in your church wherever you are, whether it's for a few years or just a few months on summer break. Be where you are, and serve where you are. Don't miss an opportunity to get involved because you think you're only going to be there for a short time.
I've thought about this a lot in the last few years, and I think it's had a lasting impact on me. but this year, I'm going to officially make it part of my resolutions...
1. Be more content with where God has me. I'm going to be where I am {physically, emotionally, spiritually, etc.}, and be thankful for it, even if it's only for a time.
2. Be more content with what I have. I really want to aim to make myself less materialistic so that I can be an example to my daughter.
3. Simplify. I want to apply this word to our family life more and more in 2009. As we start settling down here in San Diego County and putting down roots, I hope our lives will reflect a sense of simplicity.
Those are what I might call my philosophical resolutions. And (obviously) I wanted to keep them simple. But here are a few practical resolutions/goals I'd like to aim for, too in 2009.
- Grow spiritually by reading the Bible more and memorizing scripture.
- Grow food & learn to compost.
- Speak Spanish with Chiquita more regularly.
- Get more involved in our church community.
- Surf and spend a lot of time at the beach with Chiquita.
- Buy a house, Lord willing.
- Get a dog.
- Build the best online community for San Diego moms.
- Become a better writer, and edit and rewrite my novel.
- Stick to our budget better.
I'd like to revisit these next summer and see how I'm doing... but for now let me just say,
Happy New Year! Here's to a clean slate and a new beginning in 2009, starting with a fun Rose Parade and lots of football. And I'd love to hear what your resolutions are!