Dr. Mary C. McDonald
New Year’s resolutions are tempting to make, and even more tempting to forget. In spite of the insatiable appetite for self-improvement and excellence, good habits just seem hard to acquire. With the beginning of each New Year, we seem compelled to conquer the past by focusing on the future in at least one resolution. The outcome, however good the intention, is often the same, nothing changes. Over the years I have learned that just on the other side of that resistance to change is a world of possibilities when I recognize that it’s not about me, it’s about what I can do for others. There are at least 365 opportunities this year to make somebody’s day a little better, to give someone reason to hope, to release someone’s dream deferred, to rejoice in someone’s success. There will be at least thirty chances a month to encourage, to inspire, and to give someone a vision of what could be, to share laughter, tears, and stories. There will surely be seven times a week to choose love, forgiveness and kindness over any emotion that would diminish the spirit of another. There will be opportunities to speak up, to speak out, and to choose courage over fear. There will be at least one opportunity a day to make God’s presence known in any situation. So I will…try.
