I am reading through the book I wrote in a month for the National Novel Writing in a Momth (NaNoWriMo) accomplished in November. I’ve just received my first copies, and true to form, and finding enough errors in it that I will update the status on Amazon with the corrections made. However, this chapter is perfect for today, and as a resolution, now that my sight has improved, I plan to post blogs more often in 2020. enjoy this chapter from my newest book:
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The View from Here “New Year’s Resolutions”
No matter how I try, I fail to keep all but the most general New Year’s Resolutions. I try to set broad goals like,
- I will write something every day
- I will make the bed and straighten up the bedroom before starting any other tasks
- I will spend time in scripture and prayer every day
- I will tell my husband “I love you” often and show him I love him with my actions each day
If I can just follow these daily basics, I’ll feel accomplished.
However, the reality is, even with these broad-stroked items, I tend to get sloppy and at the end of the day, hang the guilt towel over my sorry self.
Then I tend to get all theological. Yes, we are depraved, and all have sinned and there is no good in us. That’s true. That’s a fact, and it’s humbling.
How does it affect my basic resolutions? Well, I get up late. I have an appointment. The TV news or radio, even the Christian station, blares into my realm and before long, the silence of quiet time evaporates into cyberspace or somewhere.
Or, my computer dings that I have a message, and its siren call absolutely must be followed. That often leads to an immediate response, and other things are on hold. Or, now that I’m pregnant with twins, I can’t even motivate myself to get out of comfy jammies or I spend more time lounging that accomplishing something on my list.
And what about the more esoteric things I’d like to do in the next year, like invite company for dinner every three weeks or so, or dust the furniture without fail every three days, or never let dirty dishes pile up in the sink, or ‘I will read two new books a month to keep ahead of my competition,’ or ‘I will try three new recipes a month so we don’t get into an epicurean rut.
I’m going to cut myself some slack, I decide. With the coming of twins, I’ll be amazed if I even get my hair brushed or in desperation throw brupper together, with pancakes for supper after a harrowing day.
See why I don’t write down New Year’s Resolutions? I know already, before the year dawns, I will fail before a week is out. All I can do is attempt to be the best I can be and enter 2019 with the sure knowledge that God loves me just the way I am, and that He forgives me, so I need to forgive myself as well.
Now that’s a truth I can live with and embrace.
“Still Working at “Perfection” Bethany Page
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