So……. It’s a New Year

It’s a new year……but I am still the same old guy.

I have the same old strengths……….and the same old weaknesses. I want to be better, but my track record says that by March I will probably be in about the same spot I was in this time last year.

What to do?

This is a time of year for fresh starts, resolutions. We all come up with a list of things that we are going to do……. lose weight, stop smoking, exercise, etc. Usually this is a list of things that we have failed at for many Januaries in the past. Why do we think that this year will be any better?…….that we will be any better?

“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” 

Einstein

Maybe we need to try a different tack.

Maybe we need to start with baby steps. Instead of taking on something big……..and difficult, maybe we should try something easy and small. This is not taking the coward’s way out. I would propose that a small success is better than a truly grand failure. And I have had my share of grand failures in Januaries gone by.

Easy and small.

I think that the easiest thing to tackle would be something that is built into our nature. The easiest new years resolution would be to find something that is central to our nature……..but that we have neglected.

I think that the smallest thing to tackle would be to change one thing for one day……..today.

Easy and small

So……tackle something easy and small. Do one thing that is easy because it is central to our nature……..one thing that is “hard wired” into our heart……..and do it one time……today.

And the first and most important thing that is hard wired into us…….is love.

So……..

My resolution this year?

I will perform one small act of kindness today.

I’m not going to worry about tomorrow’s act of kindness…….not until I get there.

Years ago, one of my sons made a suggestion. “Follow the wisdom on the shampoo bottle”……….”Lather, Rinse, Repeat”……good counsel…….for tomorrow.

Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.

Paul, NIV

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me .’

Matthew, NIV