January 2010 Baptist Light

Dear Friends,
Often we think of the New Year as getting a fresh start. The New Year presents an opportunity to put the past behind us and to forge forward into a time with new promise and possibilities. Perhaps the New Year is the ultimate “positive thinking” device. It allows us to start over, make new resolutions, and hope beyond hope that this year will be different – that this year we can actually keep the resolutions that we make.
If you have made, are intending to make, or are even considering making New Year resolutions, let me extend to you my heartiest congratulations! For many, there is the sense that they’ve made resolutions before, they haven’t worked, so why bother even trying. Certainly we can understand their perspective. However, to make resolutions, or to be thinking of making resolutions is to say, “I’m going to try anyway, despite my past experiences. I am not going to give up on myself. I want to change. I can change.”
What kind of resolutions have you made? A while back I came across an article entitled, Things We Can Learn from a Dog. The author lists a bunch of things dogs do that help them enjoy life. Maybe in this list are hidden some good resolutions to consider:
· When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
· Be loyal.
· Allow the experiences of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
· Take naps and stretch before rising.
· Run, romp, and play daily.
· Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you’ve had enough.
· Never pretend to be something you’re not.
· If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
· When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
· Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
· On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
· On hot days, drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree.
· When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
· No matter how often you’re scolded, don’t buy into the guilt thing and pout . . . run right back
and make friends.
· Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Resolutions are about change. Resolutions are about evaluating our lives, seeing some things that don’t quite fit us anymore, and desiring to make adjustments that will help us enjoy life better. Resolutions fit many areas of our lives including our physical well-being, our emotional well-being, and certainly our spiritual well-being. Of this I am certain – all of us can grow spiritually no matter how long we have been a Christian. And often it requires of us some change in our attitudes, our behavior and our spiritual practices such as prayer, worship, and other spiritual disciplines.
Where is it you want to change in 2010? What is it you want to do so that you enjoy your life more, enjoy your family more, and enjoy God more? Whatever you decide, know that God is with you. And should you falter in keeping your resolutions, don’t give up. Rather, start over and give yourself another chance.

Happy New Year,
Pastor Jim