Resolutions

New Years resolutions. We all make them, and usually break them.  There are the old standbys....eat less, exercise more (yup, one of my faves, and this time I'm really gonna do it !! LOL).  But what if our resolutions, at least one of them, takes on a new perspective this year?  What if our resolutions focus less on us and more on others.   It is our church's tradition that our Pastor write a short letter each year for Christmas.  It's always poignant, encouraging and thought provoking.  And this year the thought provoking got me thinking!!

In this letter was a story written about William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army.  I am including that story here to illustrate what I am talking about when I say maybe some of our New Years resolutions should focus on others. It's what changed the direction of my New Years goals.

It was Christmas Eve, 1910. General William Booth, the founder of The Salvation Army in London, England was near the end of his life. His health was poor, and he was going to be unable to attend the Army’s annual convention. Booth had become an invalid, and his eyesight was failing him. No one knew that he would not live to see another Christmas.
Somebody suggested that General Booth send a telegram or a message to be read at the opening of the convention as an encouragement to the many soldiers of the Salvation Army that would be in attendance following Christmas and their many hours of labor ministering to so many others through the holidays and the cold winter months. Booth agreed to do so.
Knowing that funds were limited and desiring not to use any more money than necessary so that as much money as possible could be used to help the many people in need, General Booth decided to send a one word message. He searched his mind and reviewed his years of ministry, looking for the one word that would summarize his life, the mission of the Army and encourage the others to continue on.
When the thousands of delegates met, the moderator announced that Booth would not be able to be present because of failing health and eyesight. Gloom and pessimism swept across the floor of the convention. Then, the moderator announced that Booth had sent a message to be read with the opening of the first session. He opened the telegram and read the one word message:
Others!
Signed, General Booth.

"Where is your focus? Is it stayed upon the Lord Jesus Christ with intense focus? Are you allowing Him to open your eyes to the world around you so He can meet needs and minister to people through you? Perhaps it is time for you to spend time with Jesus and allow Him to retune your focus."

These questions were posed at the end of the article.  Great questions (doesn't God give those !). Maybe this New Years, we can take some time to sit with the Lord, and find out where He wants our focus to be, not just in our own lives, but in the giving of ourselves, pouring out His love in service of others.  We were saved not just to sit in heaven after we die, but to serve others, and to practice good works...thereby glorifying our Father in heaven.

There are many areas in my life I'd like to change....eating less (a lot less)  and exercising more, less complaining and more thanksgiving.  In fact I feel a strong witness in my spirit that this is to become a year of thanksgiving for me.  That is my spiritual growth resolution.  But I want to be led by the Lord in where my service is needed for others.  I don't think serving others necessarily has to mean you do some big ministry....although the Lord may lead in that way....but even smaller service, like helping out in the church food pantry, or greeting ministry, maybe it's just doing an extra chore at home to help our your family....the one no one likes to do...perhaps it's donating an hour a week to read to kids or talk to seniors...whatever...ask God to open your eyes and open the door for you to serve others, and Him.  Maybe it's not a specific ministry at all, but being available to God each day for whatever and whoever He puts before You to serve.  Not allowing the daily "to do" list to get in the way of stopping and helping another, of taking time to listen and love.

Matthew 5:14-16  You are the light of the world--like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.  No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket.  Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand where it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise you heavenly Father. 

Ephesians 2:10  For we are God's masterpiece.  He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.  

Lord, I pray for each of us, for Your children, Your church, that we would hear Your voice clearly this day, and follow Your path for our lives...to live for You, to serve You, to be Your hands and feet in this lonely world.  Lord, may each person reading this have a blessed new year.  May they grow in their relationship with You.  Let peace enter their hearts and lives, healing and wholeness.  In Jesus most precious Name.  Amen.