Another year with ‘resolute’ resolutions

“Today changes must come fast; and we must adjust our mental

habits, so that we can accept comfortably the idea of stopping one

thing and beginning another overnight. We must assume that there is

probably a better way to do almost everything. We must stop assuming

that a thing, which has never been done before probably cannot be

done at all.”

-- DONALD M. NELSON

I was just getting used to writing the year 2002 and now it’s time

to learn to write a New Year all over again. It’s 2003, I tell

myself. It’s 2003.

I’ll be telling myself that for quite some time, I’m sure,

probably right up to next year.

It’s also that time of year when people are making, breaking or at

least talking about resolutions for the New Year. Resolutions are

certainly easier to make than to keep, depending of course on the

kind of resolutions one makes.

I looked up the definition of “resolution” in the “Webster’s New

World Dictionary and Thesaurus” and read descriptions and phrases

such as: “the act or result of resolving something, a thing

determined upon; a decision as to future action and a resolute

quality of mind. The word “resolute” means “fixed and firm in

purpose; determined.” I like the word “resolute;” it sounds strong

and purposeful. I want to be more resolute this year.

Rather than thinking about what I wanted to do, change or alter

this year, I thought it best to ask God what he wants for me. Several

specific things came through to me loud and clear. I believe that God

wants me to slow down my pace of life, spend more time with him,

listen carefully to him and make some changes in my life. While

slowing down and relaxing sounds appealing to me in many ways, it

will be a challenge. It will be like rewriting a script I’ve worked

hard on for years, or changing a well-loved recipe by substituting

some ingredients. I’ve actually been trying hard to make some of

those changes already, and while it’s hard to say “no” to some of the

people and activities I’d love to be involved with, there has also

been some freedom in doing things differently.

I’ve had to rearrange my schedule and have even changed some

things I thought were unchangeable in favor of taking a walk and

talking with God, taking a bath or, on rare occasions, taking a nap.

I’m praying for strength and support to be resolute in many changes

and I’m thankful for supportive family and friends to help me.

Several friends have recommended some books to me they thought

that would be helpful, as well as enjoyable, and I have a new book

stack to attack this year. I’m looking forward to writing about them

in this coming year, too.

Yes, we are starting up another year and are guaranteed to see

many changes around us. I’m going to pray daily for God to help me

with those things He wants to change in me.

And you can quote me on that.

* CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks

frequently to parenting groups. She may be reached via e-mail at

cindy@onthegrow.com or through the mail at P.O. Box 6140-No. 505,

Newport Beach, CA 92658.