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Two words
Off the Wall
Dec. 27, 2007
Now that January is approaching, many people are
thinking how they could better themselves in the New Year. The
question surfaces, will they hold fast to their plans?
More than likely, most are fantasies that never
will materialize.
I think one of the biggest New Year's resolutions
anymore, is losing weight. I can just hear someone saying, "In
2008, I am going to watch my diet carefully so that I can narrow
down my waist line." Sound familiar?
Others may say, "I am going to work harder
so I can save more money to go on a nice vacation this year."
Banks have been setting up accounts for that very same reason.
Back in October, I started getting literature concerning this
type of savings plan.
"I'm going to save for some new clothes. The
ones I have are not in vogue, and I have to keep up with the
styles." That definitely sounds like a resolution of sorts.
Now, I know, I have you thinking.
"I'm going to spend more time out on the golf course,
hike in the woods, or walk the path in Legion Keener Park. Those
are healthy activities. I know I have to do all I can to improve
my circulation, so that will be my resolution," another
might say. Physicians love to hear that type of talk from their
patients. Whether they do it or not is questionable.
Here's a good one. "I am going to go to church
more regularly. As of lately, I haven't been attending because
I have children to watch." Or, "I am going to
do more reading. I have been watching entirely too much television,
and need a change."
I could definitely go on and on and on, but I think
you get the idea. Many people will have many thoughts on the
matter. How they pan out remains to be seen.
By chance, did anyone pick up on one word from the
examples above that stands out in every sentence? It is the word,
"I". All the resolutions have to do with the person's
selfish intent. No where did anyone mention that what was planned
involved others.
Is this a true sign of where the world is going?
Wouldn't it be better if our resolutions would be
based around the proposal of pleasing God instead? I'm not saying
we'd have to eliminate all the listed resolutions that people
value so highly. But everything has to be put into prospective
God first, things second.
"Pleasing me" has become a society norm,
so to speak. People are out to get all they can get for themselves.
This is not to say that this is true for everyone. But on the
average, this is what is being said by many who share my opinion.
If persons can turn their thinking "inside
out" rather than "outside in," a whole new world
may open up in front of their eyes.
Just think of all the people who could be helped
by gratuitous acts of constant giving without always thinking,
"What's in it for me." If we keep in mind that 'pleasing
God" 24/7 is our motive and, more importantly our goal not
only for 2008, but for the rest of our life, we will receive
far more blessings. He will reward us many times over as we do
His will, and not always seek gains for ourselves.
Make the two words, "Pleasing God," your
New Year's Resolution. You will be taking a positive step in
the right direction.
May each of you have a very blessed New Year.
Paul j. volkmann
10.19/07
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