A Brand New Year...

We are on the brink of a new year 2008. When the new year rolls around people are always talking about resolutions for the new year. Sometimes I joke and say I don't make them because I'm already perfect... Anyone who knows me knows that is far from the truth. But I don't make resolutions anymore because its too depressing when they are forgotten within months or sometimes days.

Back in 1996 I found something that I will share here and each year since 1996 I've let this be the focus for my new year instead of lofty resolutions...

2008 - A new year – a book of blank pages waiting to be filled. It is easy to fall prey to doubts and questions about unknown days before me. But maybe God’s will for my life is far greater than knowing what path my life will take, what career choice I will make or what job change will occur. Maybe God’s will is simply for me to serve Him and love Him and share His love with others. So simple, yet so complete. There is no need for lofty resolutions, no need for fear – I will begin my days with prayer; I will listen, and God and I will walk together. He will help me through the rest, one day at a time.

~ author unknown

If I had to make a resolution I would borrow these two from Jonathan Edwards -

"Resolution One: I will live for God. Resolution Two: If no one else does, I still will."

Gifts of Self

I was impressed with this past Sunday's (December 2, 2007) "The Mini Page" for children. I couldn't find a link to the specific article, but its front page focus was on "Gifts of Self." The article suggests that the best presents are giving our selves away. Some of the ideas mentioned are:

~ Giving your time (walk a neighbor's dog, play games with people in a retirement center)
~ Giving your talents (play a musical instrument for someone or give lessons in a sport to a younger child)
~ Share something you know (reading to young children or to the elderly or baking cookies and delivering them to friends and neighbors)

We as adults can encourage this type of giving in our children by modeling it for them and by working side by side with them as they give the gifts of self.

It would also add some intrigue and excitement to try to come up with some ways children could secretly do special services for others.