Resolved

Time for resolutions, right? Have you ever thought about what a resolution is, exactly? Merriam and Webster say that it is the act or process of resolving. So, then, what is resolving? Well, the definition I like the best (and what fits my current situation best) is "to reach a firm decision about". I quite like that...It seems to me that when each new year comes along, many of us want to reach a firm decision about something...something we will change...something we will do differently...something we will finally put into action. I think resolutions have a lot to do with determination. Many people make a resolution to finally lose the 15 or 20 pounds they have been meaning to lose...you can count me in that category. Others make a resolution to stop smoking or to drink less...I am not part of those categories because I don't smoke and I don't drink a lot...

This year I have narrowed my focus to three things...three items that I have reached a firm decision about...three resolutions that I am determined to follow through on...

#1...I resolve to be more consistent in three main spiritual practices: Solitude, Scripture Reading, and Prayer. I want to make time to spend with God...to me, He should be the first thing...and I have wasted too much time doodling with second things...and third things...and fourth things...

#2...I resolve to be more consistent in exercising...this should help with that 15-20 pounds I need to lose.

#3...I resolve to bring joy into the lives of others. I believe that we all have the capacity within us to bring joy to others. So, I need to remind myself to look for opportunities throughout my day...

So, how do I grade myself so far? Well, I actually started applying these resolutions in my life today. I know, the new year started a few days ago, but, hey...last week was my birthday week!
On #1 I would have to say that I have not started off well. I did pray with Paula this morning before I left for work. That was a good thing! But, I have not done anything with Solitude and Scripture Reading...gonna have to do something about that..
On #2 I would say that I am doing OK. Wii Fit seems to help quite a bit! Ha...that thing is so fun AND you get exercise. But....the darn thing still tells me that I am bordering on Obese...Hmmm...gonna have to do something about that...
On #3 I would say again that I am doing OK. I took a walk today to get a sandwich for lunch and a lady in a car stopped me on the side of the road to ask me for directions. It felt good to help her out as I could tell she was frustrated and lost. As I directed her to the right street, she was genuinely grateful, shook my hand and said, "God Bless You!" That felt good. At another moment in the day, I had an opportunity to walk to the mailbox to drop some bills in it. A co-worker was on his way to the same spot. He offered to take the bills for me. I handed them over without thinking. In hindsight I think it was a missed opportunity. I could have walked with him, got some exercise and looked for chances to encourage, point out insights and otherwise try to bring joy into his life. Hmmm...gonna have to do something about that...

So, overall I am doing OK with my resolutions, but I am determined to do better. I wonder what surprises the next day will hold...