7 Quick Takes: New Year's Resolutions

2018 rolled into 2019 and here we are, already two weeks in...

1/ I have been far less intentional in thinking about the new year and preparing for it, compared to previous years. In Cape Town, everything slows down quite drastically following a mid December public holiday and only ever really picks up after the first week in January. Office closed and two weeks of guaranteed 'down time' each year allowed for a slightly slower end to the year and start to the new year, and with it, some space for new year dreaming and planning. 

2/ Things don't slow down quite like that over Christmas time in Hong Kong and Kev didn't take any leave other than the public holidays. The other difference in Hong Kong is the school year starting in August rather than in January, in line with the year calender. So, with the girls continuing in same classes, with same teachers as last year, we miss another contributing factor to the feel of a new year. 

3/Although I am not necessarily for new years resolutions as such (my track record with them hasn't been hugely successful), I do appreciate the fresh slate a new year brings and the opportunity to reflect and dream ahead. It's not often we stop and pause like that in life. 

4/ The routine animal in me briefly struggled with the fact that I hadn't paused and looked ahead quite like I would have liked to. Then, Kev handed me something to read which articulated the best possible dream and vision I could have for this year. It came in the form of a written prayer and it is one I will continue to read and pray for this year, as often as I can remember. 

'LORD OF ALL BEING, 

There is one thing that deserves my greatest care, that calls forth my ardent desires,

That is, that I may answer the great end for which I am made – to glorify thee who hast given me being, and to do all the good I can for my fellow men;

Verily, life is not worth having if it be not improved for this noble purpose.

Yet, Lord, how little is this the thought of mankind!

Most men seem to live for themselves, without much of any regard for thy glory, or for the good of others;

They earnestly desire and eagerly pursue, the riches, honours, pleasures of this life, as if they supposed that wealth, greatness, merriment, could make their immortal souls happy;

But, alas, what false delusive dreams are these!

And how miserable ere long will those be that sleep in them, for all our happiness consists in loving thee, and being holy as thou art holy.

O may I never fall into the tempers and vanities, the sensuality and folly of the present world!

It is a place of inexpressible sorrow, a vast empty nothenness;

Time is a moment, a vapour, and all its enjoyments are empty bubbles, fleeting blasts of wind, from which nothing satisfactory can be derived;

Give me grace always to keep in covenant with thee, and to reject as delusion a great name here or hereafter, together with all sinful pleasures or profits.

Help me to show continually that there can be no true happiness, no fulfilling of thy purpose for me, apart from a life lived in and for the Son of thy love.'

From The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions, pgs 22-23, editor Arthur Bennett

5/ No fancy goals or achievements, but if I can keep this prayer the genuine cry of my heart, I think that would be a 'successful' 2019! 

6/ I am also reminded that a year is made up of months, weeks and the day-to-day. The way I live each day will accumulate into a week, rolling over into a month, before flashing before my eyes as another year gone by - 2019. I often wake up and jump into my routines, but starting today, I hope to put just one minute aside before getting on the treadmill (no, not the new years resolution kind, unfortunately), before my feet even touch the floor, to pray. A prayer for God to have his way in my day, that I may be empowered by his strength and grace and live it for his glory. In the great and in the mundane. In the joyful and in the painful. In the rest and in the work. 

7/ Amen and cheers to 2019!