Reminder from 2014

Not the Same Old Resolution

It is January of a brand new year and it is time to make a few resolutions. But, to be perfectly honest, I am tired of weight loss and exercise goals. I’m tired of stating a spiritual goal that just doesn’t get accomplished. I’m tired of creating a reading list of books that will never get read. Don’t get me wrong, these are great goals, but somehow, they have become rather stale. So, what can I do this year that is new and exciting? What can I do that will keep me motivated and on track? How can I make my resolution something that I will achieve rather than just a forgotten goal by mid-February? I am going to make every month a Christmas month.

When you think about December, you may think Santa and presents and eggnog. But there is so much more. For me, the biggest part of December is the giving spirit. The Salvation Army workers ring the bell and people gladly put in change. Soup kitchens open up for the holidays and people gladly give their time to serve the homeless and underprivileged. Angel trees, with wish list presents, pop up at church and people gladly give a gift. Toy drives. Coat drives. Food drives. And, it seems, that people just do not tire of giving. 

Then comes January through November where a dearth of good cheer abounds. People seem to close up their purses, along with their hearts, until the next December rolls around. So, I asked myself, why should I have to wait until December to feel the warmth and wonderment of giving? And the answer is that I don’t.

This year, my resolution is to find some way to give each month. Perhaps I will go to Family Promise and volunteer or open my wallet and donate: (http://www.familypromiseofleecounty.org/). Maybe I will participate in a local food drive(http://feedingamerica.org/foodbank-results.aspx#).  Maybe I will walk for breast cancer awareness (http://www.the3day.org) . The possibilities are endless. 

The best part about this resolution is that I am excited because I know I will be able to reach my goal. 2014 will not be a repeat of 2013 with unmet goals and a guilty conscience. Instead, this New Year, I will make a difference. I challenge you to find a way to make a difference.  Find a resolution that rings true to you and make this New Year one that you will always remember.