Thanks and Yes

“For all that has been, Thank you.

For all that is to come, Yes!” 

― Dag Hammarskjöld

There’s a lot of press these days about New Year’s Resolutions. It’s that time of year, right? A time when we let up on the gas pedal a bit and cut ourselves some slack. A time of year when we give ourselves permission for a twelve month “do-over”. Facebook, Twitter, television and print ads…nearly everywhere we turn, we are urged to try again in 2015. 

By far the hardest part of resolutions, is choosing ones that are realistic (am I really going to give up sugar?) and will have a long term impact (can I live a healthier lifestyle?). Then comes the big test…sharing those resolutions publicly and without a word, asking for accountability. 

For certain I would like to pray more, give more, eat less, be more active, and sleep better. I think we all would like to do those things. But perhaps there is another way to start the new year other than making resolutions that don’t stick. Perhaps it is in adopting a wider change of attitude that we begin to see change happening in ourselves and in turn impacting our world.

How can making resolutions be “both/and” versus choosing something good over something not so good? How can we make resolutions that are gentle to our soul and spirit and yet are also challenging? How can we make resolutions that stick? 

This quote by Dag Hammarskjöld seems to resonate. How can I be thankful for what has taken place in the past (especially in 2014), and at the same time eagerly look forward to the future? Admittedly it has been difficult not to jump on the “Let’s Kick 2014 To the Curb” bandwagon. Something inside just can’t let go of recognizing that there are many gifts embedded in the journey of Glenn’s illness and subsequently his death. Perhaps gratefulness for the past and welcoming the future is key. 

So here’s to being thankful for 2014 and living in hope and wonder for 2015.

Thank you to all who continue to pray and those who continue to help and care for me. I am so grateful for your presence in my life…let us remember to pray for others who are struggling.

…grace and peace…c.