I didn’t make resolutions at the start of this year. Instead I decided to start paying close attention to the things I hear often from my own lips. They often begin with, “One day, I’m going to…” or “I should…” or “I need to be…”
I wrote a few of those down, back in January.
- One day I’m going to buy a roll of plain brown paper and string for wrapping gifts. All gifts. Forget the fancy bags that sit around forever.
- One day I’m going to paint the benches. Green, I think. No, red.
- One day I’m going to write a work of fiction, just for fun. Even if it’s really horrible.
- One day I’m going to grow a little tree.
- I should act on impulse more often, rather than regret not doing so later.
- I should do at least one thing every day that will outlast me.
- I should call my elderly relatives more, while I still can.
- I should not sit at a desk so much.
- I should spend less time working and worrying; more time praying and playing.
- I must weed stuff. I want to weed stuff.
- I need to say “I love you,” more, with or without words.
- I need to focus more on the people I know would cry at my funeral.
- I need to be more playful – and more prayerful.
- I need to be more considerate of the Preacher’s needs.
After writing the list, I lost track of it for several months. Thankfully, God didn’t. I’m a slow learner sometimes, but during those months, I began to realize that he was trying to get my attention; that I needed to start listening and making some changes.
When the list showed up again recently, I took inventory. I have far to go, but my review brought both surprise and satisfaction at what I’ve accomplished, with God’s help, rather than guilt, regret and defeat at what I haven’t.
- I’ve written a fiction story for the Beans.
- I’m making progress on stuff-weeding.
- I’m working on saying “I love you” more often.
- I’ve shocked a few elderly relatives with phone calls.
- A tiny mountain ash grows nicely in our front yard. It makes me smile.
I’m holding off on the brown paper till I’ve used up all the gift bags. But those benches? Bright red.
Our days run us over, don’t they? Trip us up with guilt and regret; defeat us with their never-ending to-do lists. Some things we really must accomplish, but others are driven by pride, self-interest, guilt, or others’ expectations. At the same time, the things we know in our hearts as crucial – the to-be things, the good, godly and true things; the best, most soul-restoring, life-sharing, beautiful things…those we ignore.
God has many ways of helping us see truth. Have you considered that sometimes his Holy Spirit uses our own lips to tell it?