New year, new kind of resolution
Monday, December 27, 2010
*Maria Jose Mitsoulis
It is that time of the year again: time to make our New Year’s resolutions. We hear about it on T.V. and on the radio and among our family and friends. How about you? Do you make New Year’s resolutions? How many? Do you keep them?
I admit that by late January, I have moved away from what may have seemed important just a few short weeks before. I prefer to make seasonal resolutions that build my spiritual life throughout the year. Each season in time has its own particular beauty as well as moments for reflection and renewal. What would it be like if we all connected our resolutions to our faith? Wouldn’t this be wonderful? I find that it resonates in my life as a wife, mother and minister of the Word to do so. Many of us already channel our spiritual energies into the joyous season of Advent and the penitential practices of Lent. The real question, then, would seem to be, “Are we being faithful in our hearts and in our actions at other times of the year?” Just a few weeks ago, did we really follow through with Advent quiet time? What about the Christmas season? Have we acknowledged and shared the real joy of the Incarnation? Have we thought ahead to Lent and Easter?
Why not begin with day-to-day resolutions? I offer here some suggestions on how to begin a schedule of small faith practices: What about spending time alone in prayer, celebrating Mass on a weekday and seeking out the sacrament of Reconciliation? What about getting involved in your parish sharing your time, talent and treasure, or visiting the sick? There are so many local enrichment programs and special Internet classes of which to avail ourselves in order to grow in our continuing faith formation.
Along with sending our children to religious education programs, are we expressing an interest and enthusiasm for what they are learning? You are always welcome as a catechist in your parish Religious Education program.
Looking at basics, how about spending more time with our families and friends? They are the faith-builders in our lives and we need one another. Have you ever taken your child to a park, library, or a museum? Have you and your spouse gone out for a special meal together recently? My hope for you in this New Year is that you find and live out some special resolutions that bring you closer to God, to your innermost self and add to the wellbeing of others. May you and those you love become better sons and daughters of God each day.
I received an electronic card on Thanksgiving Day that I believe could benefit each of us and encourage you to display it in a prominent place at home and at work to ponder it often:
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Happy moments, praise God
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Waiting moments, trust God
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Difficult moments, seek God
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Quiet moments, worship God
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Lovely moments, thank God
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Busy moments, believe God
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Painful moments, pray God
Which one would be most appropriate for you today? At times, I find myself praising God for the happy moments. I may also rely on believing God when I forget to acknowledge God’s presence. Overall, I might travel through the list many different times during each week. However, I choose trusting God as the call I am hearing at this moment in my life.
Psalm 37:3-6 reminds us to trust God in all things:
“Trust in the Lord and do good that you may dwell in the land and live secure.
Find your delight in the Lord who will give you your heart's desire.
Commit your way to the Lord; trust that God will act
And make your integrity shine like the dawn, your vindication like noonday.”
This has been my Advent and Christmas resolution -- to trust God. Which one will be yours?
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