Two Sets of Resolutions

As we rang in the New Year, I started thinking about what my resolutions would be for this year.  I had three rock-solid resolutions for this year.

1.  Be a more patient and loving parent.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not a bad parent per se.  But lately, my patience has been tested, and proven short on quite a few occaisions, mainly with BBug.  I really want to work on having more patience with the kids.  Instead of running out of patience and turning to shouting, I need to work on running and turning to God and prayer so that I can be a better parent to my kids.

2.  Read the entire Bible.  Last year one of my resolutions was to be a better Christian, and while I would say I definitely started in that direction there is always room for improvement here.  We bought a chronological, one-year Bible that I'm setting out to read this year.  I really like the idea of reading it chronologically so that I can have a better grasp of context. 

3.  Get in shape.  That was one of my resolutions for last year and I have to say that I failed miserably!  I'm in the worst shape of my life right now.  This really hit home when I was walking downtown for lunch with a co-worker and was completely out of breath just trying to walk and talk to her for eight or nine blocks.  Pitiful!  My first plan of action is to get rid of the sweet tea.  Y'all, my husband believes in honoring his southern roots by using at least half of bag of sugar per gallon of tea!  My next plan is to get moving.  I want to do some sort of physical activity - be it tennis, bike riding, Wii fit, something - each day for just a few minutes. 

I was really proud of myself for setting these resolutions, until we went to church Sunday and heard the Pastor's sermon - Your Top 3 Resolutions. 

The message was on what every believer's top 3 New Year's resolutions should be.  After hearing his message, I knew that while my three resolutions above were good, these following three should really be at the top of my list!

1.  Set Priorities.  He reminded us that making money and acquiring material possessions should not be our main priority.  Our priorities should be growing in our faith, sharing the Word, spending time with our family...  He encouraged us all to get more involved in our own church, to participate in a missions trip, to minister to a friend or family member...

2.  Submit to God's Providence.  He told us to always remember that God is in charge!  We can set all of the well-intentioned resolutions (like the ones above) that we want to, but we should put an * next to all of them.  And that * should say, "if it's God's will."  I will read the entire Bible, if it's God's will.  I will get in shape, if it's God's will.  That doesn't mean that we shouldn't still try to attain those goals that we set for ourselves in life, but we should realize that if it doesn't go according to plan that's ok - because it's going according to His plan!

3.  Shun Sinful Pride.  He reminded us to always give God the credit!  If I become a better, more patient parent - I need to remember that it's certainly not because I did it alone, or even with Hubby's help.  It's only because of Him. 

So, as we go in to the New Year I have two sets of resolutions.  My Top 3 and the three I thought were my top 3.