A New Kind Of New Years Resolution

A blog from a Marine Widow about New Years Resolutions got me thinking. Growing up my immediate family wasn't religious. Both of my parents had been raised Christians, but they didn't practice faith. I had to go to a grandparent for that. I remember listening to friends talk about New Years Resolutions like they were punishment. No chocolate. No video games. No fun. But when I read the Marine Widow's post, well, it got me thinking....

She had read on yet another blog about how instead of a New Years Resolution the writer had picked one word to strive for in the fresh year. The Marine Widow said she liked this idea better, as the word that came to her mind, Peace had been lacking in her life.

In the past year I have been a more devout Christan. I've been taking my Beloved's to church too. I think faith is important, especially when times are tough. My husband has recently decided to give it a try, as he's never been exposed to religion. He's a science guy.

The past year I have prayed more than I have in my entire life. Sometimes, I'm so overwhelmed I don't even know what to pray for. At times like this the prayer sounds something like.... Mother, Father, God.... Please help. Grant me wisdom, courage, and peace. Amen.

Sometimes I pray similar prayers for friends. Like the friends who's youngest of 4 children is battling brain cancer for the 2nd time, has been given a 20% chance at living... just to have his mother rushed in for emergency surgery at Thanksgiving to remove a brain tumor of a different kind. She has also been given a 20% chance of survival at 5 years.

When I read the Marine Widows one word, Peace I thought... what would my one word be? In all honesty I don't think I can pick just one. Peace is obvious. I could use a hardy dose of Peace. I could also use a large heap of Wisdom. I would like to be able to look at others and see them for who they really are, not who I want them to be, and accept it. When looking at the history of men in my life... this isn't going to be easy. Which is why I need Courage. I need Courage to do the right thing, even if the right thing is painful. Of course I need Courage to heal too. Healing hurts. If anyone tells you differently, they're lying.

So my words would be Peace, Wisdom, and Courage. These three words reminds me of one of my favorite prayers.

God grant me serenity to accept the things I cannot change

Courage to change the things I can

And the wisdom to know the difference

I will take a New Years Resolution Word Pledge. I will strive and look for these 3 things in 2012.