New Year's resolve

Rev. Barbara Miller

Ahhh, it’s that time of year again - New Year’s resolutions. Did you make any? Some of the most popular ones are ‘I am going to lose weight this year’ and ‘this is the year I quit smoking’. Both very commendable goals that help to improve our physical bodies and health.
But have you thought about making any resolutions to help improve your inner health, your spiritual health? Well, it’s not to late to consider including things in your routine that would make 2007 more spiritually healthy for you and your families. Many of you are probably already doing these things, but here are some suggestions to get you started: say something kind to each person that you meet, or silently say a prayer for them after they have gone, or include them in your prayers at the end of the day; if you don’t generally do the cooking, you could show genuine appreciation for the food that has been prepared for you; or if you do the cooking, while you prepare it, say a prayer of thanksgiving to God that you have it (not always easy to remember when one is hurriedly peeling potatoes for supper!); pray daily ~ even 15 minutes is a good start; refuse to gossip and if you’re bold enough, name gossip as such when you hear it; volunteer at the food bank or for Meals on Wheels; start a gratitude book: at the end of each day write down three things that you are grateful for today (also called a “count your blessings” book); if you are able to be out and about, I would encourage you to visit someone in the hospital, in long term care, or someone who is ‘shut-in’ once a week; or do telephone visits with them; you may be surprised at how much this means to others.
Remember, pick something that is practical for YOU, that will work in your life and schedule. It is also best to start with JUST ONE THING. You will have a greater chance of successfully keeping your new habit that way. Whatever you chose, I invite you to ask yourself, does it reflect what we are told in Micah?
And what does the Lord require of you But to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8
May each one of you continue to experience the grace of God in your lives and be empowered to share it with those around you.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Blessings to you and yours for today and for 2007.