2010—Something Better

  • by Colleen Swindoll Thompson

    • New Year's Resolutions

    Okay, let’s be honest about New Year’s resolutions. You write down the same resolutions every year, don’t you? I even bet some of these common resolutions made your list for 2010, as they did for 2008 and 2009.

    • Lose weight.
    • Manage debt.
    • Save money.
    • Get a better job.
    • Get fit.
    • Reduce stress.
    • Take a trip.
    • Volunteer to help others.

    It’s funny that no one ever resolves to “get sick a lot” or “have a nervous breakdown” or “enjoy more public tantrums with my child.”  I’ve decided to toss out resolutions with the torn up Christmas wrapping paper. Life is unpredictable and extremely expensive for parents of a child with special needs, preventing us from actually fulfilling many resolutions. However, what I did do was make other choices. I chose to replace the word “resolve” with the word “determine.” Every single day of the year, I can determine certain things which, I delightfully found, were far more possible. Here is my New Year’s Determination List:

    • I determine to exhibit a persistent ATTITUDE of praise and to write down three each day.
    • I determine to maintain a steadfast BELIEF in God and the promises He declares through the Bible.
    • I determine to show a humble COMMITMENT to accept what is impossible.
    • I determine to sustain a daily DEPENDENCE on Christ, who makes joyful living possible.

    In fact, for 2010, determine with me to make this your motto: “Nothing is impossible with God!” (See Genesis 18:14; Jeremiah 32:17, 27; Zechariah 8:6; Matthew 19:26; Luke 1:37; 18:27.)

    To encourage you with the truth that nothing is impossible with God, you might want to read or listen to some of these resources throughout the year.