I have the resolution of the wet noodle.
My sense of “resolution” is really just a curious mixture of what currently interests me, what I have time for, and a lingering sense of guilt over things I know I should be doing (exercise currently tops the list).
I fail every year.
Usually by mid-February.
I expect it. It’s a miserable feeling.
Here’s my thought: Resolutions shouldn’t be ideas I have to muscle through: Things that I have to dig deep for. Resolutions ought to be more like prayers: Things that I aspire to become, recognize my inability to bring about, and amplify my dependence on God.
This isn’t a Jesus-juke. This isn’t a holy-than-thou attempt to re-align a cultural trend.
The honest truth is: I just need to pray more. And I feel like I should spend my time asking God for the help I need because I know (if I try on my own), I’ll end up sitting in self-defeat by the end of February.
Here are a few New Year’s resolutions (prayers) for KidMin leaders:
1. Help me to be Courageous.
I get scared. Scared of serious things and scared of silly things. I run from conflict. I hide from tension. I sometimes even feel ashamed of times I’ve blown it in the past. Bring healing to those places and lead me. You are my shepherd. Lead me. Years from now, I’ll look back and see how you’ve led me: with grace, care, and love. Between now and then, give the courage I crave.
2. Help me to be Generous.
You’ve given me so much. Show me how to give it away. Give me freedom from my stuff. Freedom from any attachments that take my eyes off of you. Help me to see that the gifts you’ve given me are really just tools for Your Kingdom. Tools on loan from you.
3. Help me to be Selfless.
I don’t want to all about me. I get tired of me. Help me get my eyes off of what I need so I can see everyone else. Help me to trust you. To trust that you’ll take care of me when I care for others.
4. Help me to be a Better Listener.
I don’t just want to hear people. I want to really listen to them. To understand not just what they’re saying, but why they’re saying it, and how important their words are to them. Help me to wait for their words. To slow down, not be hurried, and understand.
5. Help me to be Relational.
There are times when I want to hide. Times when I want to keep to myself. Times when I want to run. Help me to see the beauty of building solid relationships. Relationships with people I serve with and with those I serve. Help me to see people as you see them. Help me to love as you love.
6. Help me to be Gentle.
I can lose it – even if I never say anything about it. I can stuff it all down deep – hoping frustration never shows its face. I can hide it away. I don’t want that. I want to be gentle in conversation. Help me to measure my words. To think before I speak. To nurture people through thoughtful conversation.
7. Help me to be Discerning.
I realize that life is short. I want to make a difference in this world. I need wisdom to know how to do that. Teach me what problems to pick up and which to put down. Take my hands – teach me what to carry. Take my heart – teach me what to care for. Take my mouth – teach me when to be silent and when to speak.
8. Help me to be Encouraging.
There are great people in my church. Give me eyes to see what they need. Show me ways to encourage them and bring them hope. Ways to add dignity, humanity, and value to their service. Help me be a visible reminder of your love.
9. Help me to be Paced.
I’m exhausted. Sometimes it’s good exhaustion, but sometimes I just don’t want to go anywhere. I don’t want to do anything. I’m tired because I’m misspent myself. I’ve gone too far, too hard, too quickly. Help me pace myself, knowing that you’ve given me purpose, called me to a place, time, and people who need me at my best.
10. Help me to be Faithful.
I want be here – to be fully present. Sometimes I wonder what it’s like somewhere else. Give me a sense of contentment, knowing that you’re leading me, guiding me, and giving me all that I need to do the work you’ve called me to. Give me courage to stay. Courage to hunker down. Courage to serve well.
Here’s to a prayerful New Year!
