For some reason I have always been rather averse to making "New Year Resolutions". Whether it's the fact that they never seem to pan out or that it's just what everyone else is doing I'm not sure. The last couple years, however, I have found myself unabashedly craving any excuse for a fresh start. So call it whatever you wish. The idea that the each day is new, ready for a fresh coat of paint, some sparkle, or maybe just a good cleaning gives me hope. So here it is, my list of new ideas, goals, and hopes for now.
- First and foremost, pray for peace in this home. No, not the kind that has to do with silence-I'm no fool. It seems that one of the shorter people are always yelling, whining, crying, hurumphing or just generally fussing about something, nothing and everything. It's enough to drive this mama mad (and some days it does). I know they are one and three but I want my kids and husband (and guests and myself) to see God's joy and peace in our home rather than tears and stress.
- Start journaling my prayers again. My head is often awash with so many ideas I can hardly think straight let alone pray in a focused manner. I picked up a composition notebook the other day and am looking forward to some more focused time with the Lord. It's been far too long.
- Be more on top of the housework. Our house will never be perfectly clean-we live here. I do want to take care of what we have been blessed with though. I also think not having too much extra dirt and clutter contributes to a feeling of peace. I feel like I've finally figured out how get the laundry done in a reasonable time which is big progress! The other day I set up the calender on my phone to tell me what needed to be cleaned each day. Certain jobs repeat weekly, twice a week, monthly or every other month (for organizational things). I know I won't stick to it everyday but so far it's helped me.
- Open our home more. Between unpredictable work schedules, allergies, little ones and life I feel like we haven't been as hospitable as we ought to be. When we were looking for house we knew we couldn't afford a ton of square footage but we tried to find a home that would suit our needs as well as being conducive to hosting gatherings. We want to use our home to honor the Lord and bless others. We want to be more purposeful about it!
- Save more. We stink at sticking to a budget but we've got some goals and I hope having a stronger sense of purpose behind it will help us be more diligent. Nuff said.
- Turn off the TV and computer and read more. We tend to slump onto the sofa at the end of the day and zone out in front of the computer and TV. I'm not saying that's going to stop entirely but I am hoping to fill my mind and heart with more useful things.
- Love on people more. Not sure I can put specifics on this. I want to love and pray for my family, friends and community more this year. I don't know exactly what that will look like for everything but I think it's important.
