12 Treasures to Look Forward to in 2009

Traditionally, the first day of a new year is reserved for establishing resolutions designed to focus us on improvements or enhancements will distinguish the past year from the present in a great way. It is a familiar drill that we all, if we’re honest with ourselves, have engaged in at one time or another. Whether it is to lose weight, stop smoking, kick a habit, explore an opportunity we’ve all been there. I do not believe there is anything harmful or damaging about resolving to change a situation; in fact, it can be the very catalyst to creating a healthier, more successful life. I simply submit that perhaps we might be a bit more successful at this initiative by altering our perspective on the demands we’re placing on ourselves and a year with only 364 more days to change.

Rather than reflect on all that we’ve left in the year behind and vowing not another repeat, let’s name 12 things that we can look forward to in the year ahead. Perhaps this optimistic outlook will be more helpful than attempts to undo past sins by focusing us more on anticipated accomplishments and celebrations. They may also serve as reasons to press forward when whatever we’re wrestling with seems so unbearable that it might be easier to give up than to fight on. Here, I’ll list mine:

1. The birth of my first niece – an opportunity to witness God’s miracle of life.
2. The historic inauguration of President Barack Obama – I’m still pinching myself!
3. My first acting gig – okay, okay it’s a small role in a small, grass-roots production but hey I’m still on stage.
4. My birthday – no, you don’t really need to know which one!
5. Timely filing income taxes…if you only knew.
6. A mini-vacation with my mom during which I’ll have her all (okay, mostly all) to myself. Hmm, that means she’ll also have me all to herself…keep smiling.
7. Celebrating the SUCCESSFUL completion of a critical professional engagement – I can hardly wait!
8. Meeting new friends and getting to know old ones differently through this blog.
9. Another season of Camp Nae Nae for my nephews!
10. Cutting the ribbon on my newly, translation, finally decorated guest room.
11. Hosting a soiree for friends and family.
12. Finding more joy in everyday experiences.

Whew, that may have more difficult than making resolutions! You see, it’s relatively easy to number the terrible things that we’d like to forget or alter. The courageous step is to identify and focus on what is geared to bring about the anticipated end. It’s even scriptural, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Phil 4:8 KJV

My list may not be daring or sexy to some. That’s just not the design. The goal of this initiative is simply to acknowledge that while 2008 may not have been as exciting and productive as I would have liked, there is no reason to burden 2009 with atonement for days that will never be again. Instead I choose to embrace these simple celebrations as armor to meet the challenges that are sure to present this year. Will you?