New Year's Resolutions make most people flee in the opposite direction. Such stress occurs because when we incorporate new goals into our already packed lives, they produce stress. So what is the best thing to ask for regarding new obtainable goals? Well, we can find that answer in James 1:5-8. The best New Year's Resolution is "Wisdom."
We in our family have found that when we write down our five or ten goals and keep them posted, we often see them occur. My eldest son, David, now 27, lived in Bremerton, WA, and wanted to make some changes. So he took a paper bag, wrote down on it what changes or goals he wanted to see, and posted it on his wall. Low and behold, by the end of that year, all had occurred.
Inspired by her brother’s example, my daughter, Hannah, age 23, did the same. Last year, 2009, she compiled ten goals, posted them on her refrigerator, and eight out of ten came true. I have my goals, eleven of them, on my bulletin board. They are life goals, and I keep my yearly ones with my daily prayer cards. Again, it amazes me how many are coming to pass.
Sometimes I wonder about our Lord and how He approached His ministry. He remained essentially unseen for thirty years, and then He changed the world. What did our Blessed Mother think in her heart during this time? Did she ever wonder when He would take on His mission promised to her?
I ponder these things. I reflect on how He approached His life and goals. The days are short; the fields are ripe, and the workers are few. Let us accomplish all we can hope for Him with wisdom.
Martha Wild King, M. Ed., Author
The Frugal Catholic: Learn to live on less to give and save more.