Let's Celebrate!

Five years ago I made a huge resolution--that I would never again make a resolution!  And it has been such a gift, that I want to pass on the idea to all of you.  I grew very tired of focusing on what I wished I had, what I wanted to be and how I hoped to look.   Forget it!  Instead, each New Year's eve I celebrate the gifts the past year has presented to me and I note the ways I have been the person God expects me to be (and what God might be nudging me towards for the new year).  Whew!  I can't tell you what a relief and joy it is to really CELEBRATE New Year's Eve now. 

I learned a valuable lesson about quality time versus quantity time this year.  As I took on a new and challenging role in my ministry, many well-meaning people would pat my shoulder and tell me "how hard it must be to be away from your children".  I appreciated the concern, but to be honest my children get the best of me now.  We don't sit around and watch mindless television or separate ourselves into other rooms.  Now, when I get home, I am engaged with my kids.  Reading stories, doing chores, playing board games (my favorite way to spend time).  We make the moments count. 

I also learned many other valuable lessons this year and celebrated so many cherished moments.  I found the strength to step into a new vocation. I took a sudden detour from that vocation and found a whole new sense of joy and passion in our school community.  I watched an Aunt beat cancer.  I celebrated life as my cousin became a mother to Hope Catherine (thanks to a selfless woman who gave the greatest gift ever).  Just to name of few.  What a great year!

And, lest I lead you to believe that life is all sugar-sweet nauseating happiness for me, I will leave you with a tip from my bestest friend.  For all the other not-so-fun memories and troubles of the year gone by?  Start a new tradition on New Year's eve.  After you hug and kiss and blow the horns...go around the house (or wherever you might be) and FLUSH THE TOILETS!  Send all that bad stuff straight down the drain.  My friend swears it is the best feeling.  So, give it a try! 

Blessings to all for a fantabulous 2009!