Over the last few weeks, I received a few emails from folks asking why I hadn't blogged about 'this year's resolution" for CAMA, or for one thing or another.  I'm sure we can all relate to the inevitable feelings of newness and freshness that occurs every new year; only to be replaced with a feeling of guilt for not 'hanging in there" or worse, beating ourselves up for not attaining our resolution(s).

Now that we are a month into 2012, I want to encourage you.  No matter what your resolution, you can "begin again" every day.  I often "slip" or totally miss the mark, but it doesn't eliminate my long term goal, it doesn't persuade me to change "it" to something easier.  In fact, like the Fruit of the Spirit, which are hopefully constantly being developed and never at an end state, I set my resolution this year to exactly that - "Dear God, help me to shower my family with love.  May I be a gentle servant within my family, and those I may interact.  May I have the patience to show grace with my kids during the times I most want to walk away, but allow your spirit to abide in me."

In a nutshell, that's my resolution.  I shared it the other day with a good "philosophical friend," who suggested I can't attain it simply because there's no way to define the end result.  That, honestly, was the point of my resolution.

Sure, I want to teach "abc" amount of classes each month.  Sure, I want to blog more so people can find this (good) content ( please share it!)! Sure, I'd like to do more, be more, etc.,  but it's a slippery slope when you begin defining who you are based on expectations - in particular expectations set by others. 

My "philosophical friend" suggested his resolution this year was going to be defined by his significant other - thus, having someone else to determine whether or not he attains his yearly goal (I still don't know what it is...). 

At the end of the day, I suggested I'd let my family be the "judge" of my actions, words and deeds as I strive to find a sincere outpouring of the fruit of the spirit (gentleness, as said above).  But, the direction I take would be based on my willingness to follow what God has for me - through the good and bad times, I know He will bring me to a place I can hopefully "kick my resolution" down the center of the goal posts.

May you never give up on your resolution.  Start each day, and find balance as you structure your day and bring orderliness to the days events.  May God guide you, and not yourself.

In Him,

Chiburi / KJN