Reviewing Resolutions

My history of New Year's resolutions is bleak.

Year after year I plan the same ones

(you can just imagine!)

and, come December of that year, they are either long forgotten 

or, most often, far from achieved.

This year will be different!

Do you hear the positive lilt to my "voice"?

One resolution involves removing a certain word from my vocabulary.

It's a common word and I think I overuse it.

It has the potential of being seen as judgmental or harsh by the listener. 

 I don't want to be that kind of person.

I want to encourage, not tear down.

So, I will be intentional and bite my tongue before it escapes.  I hope.

It is my goal.

Perhaps I'll share the word later in the year...

Another resolution involves Christmas cards.

Those hugs in an envelope that arrive in the box out by the road.  

I delight in opening each one.

Sometimes the news enclosed within in sad,

but I cherish the connections with friends.

I don't want to pack them away with the bells, tinsel and ornaments come January.

They sit in a special basket throughout the year.

This year I plan to be more active with those cards.

I hope to draw one from the basket each week.

I will reread it, linger over the pictures, sentiments and news.

Then I promise to pray all week for the sender.

That God will bless and touch him or her.

And I will try to contact said sender.

Perhaps a card, a letter, a phone call or email.

I'm not sure how this part will materialize,

but I hope to communicate each week 
with someone that I usually write to only at Christmas.

I am into week 3 and...so far, so good.

I'm excited.
And maybe...perhaps...possibly...
I'll lose a few pounds, too.