Resolved: Hopes and Dreams

There's been much debate about New Year's resolutions. Some are against them; others are for them. I'm in the latter category. For me, the New Year is the time when we can start all over with a clean slate. Old things have passed away, behold, all things are new.

In the Bible, the Israelites celebrated the Year of Jubilee once every 50 years.  That was when all slaves were set free. All land was returned to the original owners. All debts canceled. I don't know about you, but that excites me. I look at every New Year as a Year of Jubilee in my heart.


As for resolutions, I don't see them as a legalistic set of expectations or a "to do" list. Perhaps "resolution" is the wrong word. Let's call it "Hopes and Dreams" for the New Year. Yes, I like that better.

All my life people have called me a "dreamer," often not in a good way. But I like being a dreamer. I like dreaming about my life and thinking about the good things my future holds. Not to say everything will be smooth sailing. That's not how life is. But we can rejoice in the trials, trusting that God has a wonderful plan for each of us. Let's enjoy the journey.

My Hopes and Dreams for 2011:
Helping other people in practical ways and not judging them.
Taking better care of my body.
Saying "no" to stress and worry; trusting that God will give me Peace.
Telling my husband, everyday, that I love him.
Not to over-extend myself with too many projects.
Have balance in all things.
Be thankful to God for all that He has done for me.