New Year's Resolutions

Happy New Year! The holiday season has come to an end. Am I the only one whose pants are a little snugger than they were before Thanksgiving? I doubt it.

It is traditional this time of year to reflect on one’s life. Is it on track? Are my priorities in order? What do I want to change? These are common questions. They are good questions. However it is a slippery slope from “What do I want to change?” to “What don’t I like about me?”. The difference is subtle, but crucial.

What if this year we try something different? Let’s say that we resolve to love ourselves just the way we are. This does not mean that we can’t work on changing things to make us healthier and happier. This does not mean that we become complacent narcissists. No, this means that, in spite of things that we would like to change, we are OK just the way that we are.

This is an uncomfortable notion for many of us. We live in an achievement-oriented world. We are judged by accomplishments. The saying is often heard, “What have you done for me lately?”. Let’s pull the brakes on this hyper-achievement ride that we have been on for so long. Let us return to the basics. There is nothing more basic than this: The Creator of the universe created you. There is nobody like you. There never has been and there never will be another you. The world doesn’t need another Nelson Mandela, Picasso, or Billy Graham. The world needs you!

Happy New Year!
Rev. Brian