I'm playing Kanga and this is my Roo. : Resolutions For Your Soul

Two years ago, I sat in my old apartment, sipping blue Kool-Aid and deciding my New Years Resolutions. I jotted down big things, goals that would take time and money and upon reviewing them, I crumpled the ink stained paper in the palm of my sweaty hand and threw it in the trash can. Who was I kidding? I wanted to go to school, get my license, own a car, get a new job.. It seemed like far too much accomplishment for one year. I sloughed it off- forgot it for a few short months. That is, until, it started happening. I was made known of my pregnancy only a few short days after tossing that college ruled into the trash. And all at once, it seemed, I was going to college, getting my license, and Ian's dad bought us our first car. As far as my new job went, Kade was born that summer- motherhood, being the ultimate, life long occupation became a second nature to me. And at the close of the year, I thought back to that list. That list that I had deemed so impossible; how I had so little faith in myself. I learned something that I will never forget or let falter, Do Not Underestimate Yourself. I made a list of material things, and received them, sure. But what I really received was faith in myself, patience and effortless grace through trial and adversary. And that is what bettered me.

Now that I have a job, a vehicle, a safe and warm place to live- my resolutions have changed drastically. I've added Pray, read more books, spend time outside, have holiday parties and one, rather amusing, Do Not Diet. It's terribly bad for your soul. And these are realistic goals that will strengthen me and enlighten me. Aren't new years resolutions about bettering yourself? If your list entails "Lose weight. Keep house spotless," you're going to have hunger pains and disappointment in yourself when your too tired to do the dishes tonight. Something that has taken me years to learn, that I am still earnestly learning: Food is good for your soul. It nourishes you, it keeps you alive. You want to be healthy? Eat Good Food. You want to keep your house clean? Straighten as you go along and reward yourself with a relaxing night, pulling a mental curtain over that heaping laundry basket. It can wait.

Praise yourself. Spend more time with your girlfriends. Write thank you notes. Have waffles with powdered sugar for dinner. If you find yourself in a place of security, with all the essentials of sustaining life at your fingertips, then you've struck gold. Now, you have the opportunity to resolve what's inside. Because you can't take stuff with you. God doesn't care if your skinny, if you scrub your floors every other day- but if you are enjoying the life that he has so graciously given to you, then you are truly living.

I urge you, apart from your list of "pay bills on time, etc." Make another list- Resolutions For Your Soul. Let it be overflowing with blissful opportunities. It's good stuff, Maynard.

White knuckle the railing of each wonderful experience that hurtles your way.
Spend hours on the floor, playing, getting grass stains, flying kites, building forts, making mud pies.

Be appreciative. Write thank you cards, call just because, shower loved ones with praise and affection.

Celebrate. Light candles on the dinner table, go out for ice cream, have parties, play board games. Applaud life and all its simple pleasures. Each day is a blessing.