2012

As we enter the New Year many of us are looking back on 2011 and wonder what 2012 will bring. This leads many of us to make resolutions for 2012. It could be to lose weight, finish education or projects around the home. Here are the things I would like to do in 2012:

1. Love more. There is evil in the world and what the world needs is the love that comes from God. That love shines the light on evil and draws people away from decption. My mother was married 4 times. Her second husband was evil. I witnessed and experienced things that no child should. But, as the years have gone by it is more like a distant memory. I have become skeptical and cynical when I see screwed up people instead of remembering from whence I came and knowing that they are under a deception. Also, I have been burned by people I have tried to help, and that makes me cynical. Nevertheless, Jesus wants us to love like a child loves.
2. Give more. As I get older I am more frugal. Part of this is because I was not good with my finances when I was young and had to pay the price. But, part of it is fear. When I was young I thought I was indestructible, now that I am older I realize that my body is breaking down. I fear not having enough money if something happens to me physically or if the financial markets crash. The truth is we don’t know if we have tomorrow we only have today. I believe God wants me to give more and not to do it grudgingly, but to trust Him for the future.
3. Create more. We all have talents and gifts. These gifts aren’t ours to begin with, they come from God. I have a creative gift. When I spend the time ideas flow (some good some mediocre and some bad). The problem with ideas is that they have to be implemented and that takes work. As I get older I just don’t have the energy I had when I was younger to push these ideas forward, especially knowing that many of them fell flat. Yet, some don’t and will be fruitful and create opportunity for others.

I would challenge you to look at these things and ask yourself the questions does God want me to love more, give more and use my gifts more? Happy 2012!