Resolutions

So, I'm typically not a big resolutions type of person.  I mean, I can only resolve to lose weight so many times, when the reality of it is that I don't need a new year to eat right and exercise...I can do that any time.  And I don't need a new year to get organized...that, too can be done on any old day of the year.  The key is to just do it...which is easier said than done if you don't want it badly enough.

I do like a new beginning and setting goals...and since today is the beginning of a year, I feel inclined to set some goals, or resolutions if you will, for this year.

1.  Really, truly "owning" the grace God has given me.
Yes, I've been a Christian since I was young and I am so, so grateful for the gift of salvation God has given me, but I really don't own my salvation like I should.  If I did, I would extend God's grace to everyone, regardless of who they are and what they've done.  I would also rest in it like I should, instead of worrying about silly things and letting irrational fears consume me.

2.  Be bold in sharing Christ with others.
Now, I don't necessarily mean standing on street corner preaching the gospel to passersby (although if God called me to do that, I would).  I'm talking about not wimping out when the opportunity presents itself and showing others the love of Christ in my everyday activities.  This includes not cussing out someone who cuts me off (even though they can't hear me) and not rolling my eyes and thinking evil thoughts about people who annoying me at Target or wherever I happen to be.  (yes, I have issues)  I mean, who would ever believe that I'm a Christian by the way I act and/or think sometimes?  It's pretty embarrassing, really.

3.  Be kind to my husband.
Yikes and ouch!  Talk about embarrassing.  I hate that I even have to admit this, but I can be downright evil to Rob when things aren't going my way.  Never mind the fact that he usually isn't the reason why I'm on a tear...he usually bears the brunt of my frustrations with life.  I keep thinking back to the Love Dare. One of the first dares in the book is to go an entire day without saying anything negative to or about your spouse.  Again, I'm mortified to admit that it was tough to go 24 whole hours without fussing at Rob, but it was.  Whew!  Imagine my relief at the end of that day...only to realize that the next dare said, "In addition to yesterday's dare...do this..." What?!  Holy smokes...you'd think it was asking me to sacrifice my first born child or something.  This is not and should not be difficult when you have a husband as great as mine...it's just a change in attitude and my reaction to the things life hands me.

4.  Comfort those who are struggling, especially those who are dealing with infertility and those who are in the process of adopting.
This is something that has been on my heart for months.  I'm so happy that I've already had the chance to encourage and share my story with women who are on the same path I was on not too long ago, but I feel led to do more.  It is impossible to explain how much others helped me when I was struggling.  I know God put every one of those women and men in my path when I needed them and I can only hope that He will use me in the same way.  Infertility is a lonely road and adoption can be really intimidating to someone who has never gone through the process before.

5.  Be more neighborly.
For someone who is as outgoing as I am, I sure suck at being a neighbor.  I've met a few of my neighbors once or twice, but until just a week or so ago, we never reached out to them.  Even then, it was Rob's idea to take them some Christmas cookies and treats.  I want to live by people who feel comfortable asking for help or even a cup of sugar if they need it.  That's how neighbors are supposed to be, right?

6.  Take care of myself physically, spiritually and emotionally.
This should be a given, but I sure am quick to let these things go when I get stressed or overwhelmed.  The reality of it is...keeping my physical, spiritual and mental health as a top priority will help lower my stress and keep me from feeling overwhelmed.

Well, there they are.  Feel free to give me a kick in the pants if you catch me not striving to make them happen.

Happy 2012, friends!
~M