New Year, New Hopes!

I must admit that New Year’s is not among my favorite of holidays.  I’m not sure why…it’s supposed to be a chance to make resolutions, set new goals and reflect on the previous year.    I do love the chance for a do-over so you would think the New Year would serve as the perfect opportunity for a do-over. But alas, I have never been a big fan of resolutions…probably because I am not great at keeping them. I do take the time to reflect on the previous year and things that I would like to improve upon for the coming year.  My aversion to the beginning of the New Year may have to do with the fact that it quickly brings an end to my favorite holiday season.  I LOVE Christmas and all that it stands for!  The time with friends and family, the decorations, the food, the general merriment of the season, but most importantly that it represents the birth of Jesus Christ our savior.   I’ve joked for years that I suffer from the holiday blues… Of course my co-worker diagnosed, I mean informed me, that I probably have SAD—Seasonal Affective Disorder.  Phooey!   I’m not depressed; I just wish that the general good feelings of the holidays could last longer!  It does make me sad to see Christmas trees out on the curb the day after Christmas…does that count as depression?

Anyway, if you read my blog then you know that my family faced big challenges at the end of the past year.  This has caused me to do more reflection than usual and I am so thankful to be part of such a close family and to have so many special family friends that have been so supportive of us during this time through prayer, words of kindness, hospital & home visits and just being there with a hug when needed. 

So after reflecting on the past year and considering what areas I would like a do-over in, I have decided to just list my hopes for the New Year…

• I hope to strengthen my relationship with my savior.
• I hope to see healing for my dad!  Our family loves and needs him...enough said!
• I hope to be a better wife—not that I am not a pretty good wife already!  Though I do have e room for improvements…especially letting him know how much he is appreciated for all that he is and all that he does. 
• I hope to continue to grow as a mother.  My kids are at the age where they don’t feel like they need their parents so much anymore but I hope that they know how much they are loved and that I will always be there for them…in good times, in bad times, in happy and sad.  My mom is my rock and I want to be that for my boys.
• I hope to spend more time with my friends and to be a better friend.   Life can be busy and often times we get so caught up in our own families that we miss out on special friendships and the gifts that they bring to your life. 
•   I hope that I can be more aware of what is going on around me.  I can be guilty of dwelling on  ‘me’ and not realize what others may be going through.  I want to be an encourager!
• I hope that in whatever I do or say this year, I can always focus on the positive and let go of the negative.  There is so much more to be gained by positive energy... So long to the negative!
• All in all, my hope is for a good year…a better year…for myself and for you!  Bless you all!

Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

Psalm 31:24