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My Top Ten Resolutions (Vol. 4, No. 45)

On Sunday morning, Preacher Mike talked about our tendency to allow our annual goals to diminish as we develop perspective.  In other words, as we look at what little progress we made on last year’s New Year’s Resolutions, we naturally scale back our prognostications for the twelve months to follow.

I believe that’s true.  For example, up until I was about 22 I had a real desire to be President of the United States.  By 28, I was ready to settle with having a large, white house and a limousine with a driver.  I was entering law school at age 30 and was thinking that any sort of large house would do if I had a luxury car to drive.  When I hit 40, I was thinking maybe a smaller house and a smaller mortgage payment would be nice and hoping that our family cars would survive my sons’ teenage years.  Last year, at 50, I was thinking that maybe the only limousine with a driver I’d ever ride in would be the hearse at my funeral.

Now I’m 51.  It’s a non-descript age.  This would be a perfect year to set mediocre goals – and possibly even achieve them.  Instead, I’ve decided to pursue the big ones.  After all, who’s to say how many more shots I’ll have at all this?

Number 10.  I’m going to lose fifteen pounds.  I prefer proper nutrition and exercise over amputation – but I’m going for it.

Number 9.  I’m going to identify twelve people (other than family members) in whom I will invest my time.  I will learn from some of them.  I will mentor some.  I will laugh with some.  I will cry with some.  I will pray for all of them.

Number 8.  I’m going to read or skim or glance through the two foot high stack of magazines and other periodicals I have been saving for when I have time to catch up with my reading.

Number 7.  I’m going to do what I can to help bring peace to the Middle East.  I know this has been tried before.  But I have this friend who tells me it’s possible to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.  In fact, he thinks that a lot of people know how to do this – without bloodshed.  His theory is that the Israeli and Palestinian leaders won’t do what needs to be done because the end of the conflict would decrease their power.  No emergency, no urgency, no need for sweeping power. 

Number 6.  I’m going to talk to people a lot about letting go of their quest for power.  Controlling things and other people always creates conflict.  Strangely, people think the most effective way to end conflict is simply to have complete control for themselves or for those who think like them.  (See number 7.)

Number 5.  I’m going to clean out my garage.  I’m going to make some real decisions about the stuff I keep and the stuff I give away or throw away.  I’m going to be realistic about how my future free time will be used.  (See numbers 6 and 8.)

Number 4.  I’m going to create some free time in my life.  I’m going to say “no” to some opportunities.  I’m going to say “no” to some people and to their opportunities.  I’m going to say “no” to some bad habits.  (See numbers 5, 9 and 10.)

Number 3.  I’m going to say “yes” to the simple things that are right in front of me.  I’m not going to wait for God to deliver some great epiphany for what my life’s purpose is.  I’m going to increase my belief and reliance on the fact that God wanting a relationship with me is the great epiphany.  He really has given us a message of reconciliation.  (See 2 Cor. 5.)

Number 2.  I’m going to listen more and talk less.  I’ve never gotten in trouble for listening.  Talking on the other hand . . . (See James 3.)

Number 1.  I’m going to be the husband, father, and grandfather who inspires books and movies.  Not the kind of movies on the “Lifetime” channel where the male is almost always the villain.  The kind of stories and movies that no one but Nancy, Jeremy, Jamie, Landrye, Justin and Alex are interested in.  The kind where they are the central actors and I’m simply one of the supporting characters.

Pretty tall list when I look back at it.  Yet, pretty invigorating when I look forward to it.

Hope you’re resolved for the coming year.

Shine On!

copyright 2004 Joe L. Cope