New days, new chances

CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON

“God specializes in things fresh and firsthand. His plans for you

this year may outshine those of the past ... He’s prepared to fill

your days with reasons to give Him praise.”

-- JONI EARECKSON TADA

I hadn’t seen the young woman working at the checkout stand in the

market for a while, so I asked her how she had been as she rang up my

groceries. She told me that she had been busy, and then held up a box

of cereal I had put in my shopping cart.

“Is this any good?” she asked. “I’ve seen other people buy it, but

I haven’t tried it yet.”

I told her that we all enjoyed it and that we liked cereal with a

lot of different grains and nuts in it. She looked at it again and

then looked up at me and said, “Maybe I’ll buy some later and try it

tomorrow. I like trying new things.”

“Speaking of new, how is your new year going so far?” I asked her.

She smiled and answered, “As I said, I’ve been busy, but I’m not

overwhelmed like I’ve been before. Things haven’t really changed as

far as circumstances go, but I’ve decided to change my attitude. I’m

more positive, and am choosing to see the good in people and in life,

and it’s really making a big difference. I decided not to make a long

list of resolutions this year, because I know I would have broken

them by now, and they used to be just about outward things, so

instead I’m focusing on some inward changes.”

I looked down momentarily to sign the credit card receipt, and

then looked back and smiled at her and said, “I like your attitude.

You remind me of the saying: ‘Your attitude determines your altitude

in life.’”

I thanked her and headed outside, encouraged by our interchange.

Once outside, I looked up at the deep blue sky and graceful

clouds. The air was crisp and fresh and leaves danced in the breeze.

I thanked God for the beauty around me and for the encouraging

conversation at the market.

I remembered a talk I gave years ago on New Year’s resolutions. I

was trying to make the point that if we make a long list of

unrealistic external ideals, without specific internal reasons and

smaller reachable goals, we were headed for frustration or failure.

I recalled giving an example of an unrealistic list of resolutions

that stated: “This year, I’m going to run a marathon, lose twenty

pounds and totally reorganize the house ... “

Before I read anything else, a woman in the front row began

laughing. When I looked at her, she chuckled again and said, “Cindy,

how did you know three of the things on my list?”

We all laughed and discussed ways to focus first on priorities,

and then on realistic and attainable goals. I stressed that I have

learned that when I spend time with God and pray for His guidance, my

priorities change, and I am able to focus first on my attitude and

then on my actions.

On my drive home, I thanked God that He has plans for me, and that

those plans include praising Him for who He is, what He has done and

what He is doing in my life. I also prayed for His guidance as I made

plans for the days ahead.

New Year’s Day occurred last month, but with God, every day is

filled with opportunities to choose positive attitudes and enjoy

fresh starts in life.

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 537 Newport Center Drive,

Box 505, Newport Beach, CA 92660.