"Sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God."—Colossians 3:16b, NIV.
I no longer make New Year's Resolutions. Why? For too many years, I resolved, "I will diet"—and other than a few lost pounds—I've never accomplished my weight loss goals.
My resolution for 2009? No more resolutions.
Instead, I've adopted one word—gratitude. Every day this year, I want be aware of and tell God, "I'm grateful for…" I suspect my hopeful look towards the future without regard to prickly circumstances might end up being harder than making a few unkept resolutions. I want to intentionally guide my feelings, thoughts, opinions, words, and ways to sing a new praise song to God every day. As I express my thankfulness, I want to remember that gratitude is more than uttering words, my ethics live them.
These encouraging words by author Melodie Beattie speak biblical truth regarding many struggles solo parents face, "Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity.... It turns problems into gifts, failures into success, the unexpected into perfect timing, and mistakes into important events. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow."
I Want 2009 To Be…
"Another year to live!
To banish worry, doubt, and fear,
To love and laugh and give!
This bright new year is given me
To live each day with zest . . .
To daily grow and try to be
My highest and my best!
I have the opportunity
Once more to right some wrongs,
To pray for peace, to plant a tree,
And sing more joyful songs!"—William Arthur Ward
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2 comments:
Greetings Scoti. I'm a first time visitor and came over from Tea with Tiffany. I enjoyed her last post, as well as your comment that followed. I found it insightful to read the connection between tone, receiving, and being hospitable (awaiting with confidence and patience).
I also enjoyed your outlook for this new year!
Thank you for a hospitable visit!
Sincerely,
Bonnie
extendedhope.com
Love this new year word for you. I believe God will more than bless you as you look for ways live out your gratitude.
Thank you for your friendship and your recent sweet comments on my blog. I SO appreciate them.
Much love,
Tiffany
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