Every year begins with the anticipation that we will accomplish great things. As I close out 2021 and reflect on how I would like 2022 to look, I’ve been thinking I need to keep things rather simple. The isolation has made me appreciate the people in my life all the more. This year, my new years resolutions are more about charting a better year by being the kind of person others want to be around. I think there are some easy ways to accomplish this as long as I keep focused. These resolutions to chart a better year can be incorporated into our lives any time and the benefit will spill over into the lives of those around us!
Listen More
If you’re like me, you’ve noticed people (even friends) talking over and past one another. This is a selfish way to communicate and it has furthered our isolation. I noticed this a lot on Facebook. So, my resolution this year is to listen more. James 1:19 will remind me how to live this year, “My dear brothers and sisters, pay attention to what I say. Everyone should be quick to listen. But they should be slow to speak. They should be slow to get angry.” I expect the more I listen, the less likely I’ll talk over or past someone else. Listening will probably also temper any anger. I’m hoping by listening to others intently with the objective to really hear their heart, I’ll be able to grow the important relationships in my life. Listening more is a great resolution to chart a better year.
Find Ways to Encourage
My second resolution is to find ways to encourage others. Encouragement is like a healing balm. And encouragement has been lacking this past year, most of what we heard in 2021 was discouraging. This year, I’m going to be generous with encouragement. Words that encourage are kind of like seeds. Cast seeds broadly and the result is an expanse of blossoms that self propagate for years. Have you observed this principle in action? A small encouragement can change the course of a persons entire life. That’s the kind of encourager I want to be this year! Hebrews 10:25 will be my motto: “And let us not give up meeting together. Some are in the habit of doing this. Instead, let us encourage one another with words of hope. Let us do this even more as you see Christ’s return approaching.”
Build Hope
This leads to my third resolution, build hope. Before we build hope we must have hope. Who is the source of our hope? You know the answer, Jesus! To build hope, we have to be familiar with the hope we have in Christ. 1 Peter 3:15 can guide us in sharing hope, “But make sure that in your hearts you honor Christ as Lord. Always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks you about the hope you have. Be ready to give the reason for it. But do it gently and with respect.” Cultivating and sharing hope will mean learning more about Jesus. To help, l’ve found a few great devotionals by Marty Machowski. In ten minutes a day with your family, you can work through the entire Bible. Commit to build hope, in your life and in the lives of others to chart a better year.
Wise Up: 10-Minute Family Devotions in Proverbs
Proverbs is the book of wisdom! Take ten minutes a day to learn how to be wiser in this world. Click on the picture to learn more or order.
Listen Up: 10-Minute Family Devotions on the Parables
Learn from Jesus as he teaches through parables. Just ten minutes a day! Click on the picture to learn more or order.
Long Story Short: 10-Minute Devotions To Draw Your Family to God
Just like the title says, these ten-minute devotions will walk your family through the Old Testament. Click on the picture to learn more or order.
Old Story New: 10-Minute Devotions To Draw Your Family to God
Keep your devotion time going as you work through the New Testament with ten-minute family devos! Click on the picture to learn more or order.
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So those are my resolutions to chart a better year. I think if I practice these on a regular basis 2022 will turn out to be a banner year. Join me and let’s change the world by listening more, finding ways to encourage others and building hope.
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