Resolutions

Traffic Sign in Bath, Somerset, England

I think that the New Year is a good time to take an honest inventory of one's life, resolving to make needful adjustments to one's behavior with the help of God and the support of one's family and friends.

Some people object to making resolutions at the New Year at all since they are so easily dismissed as the year progresses. These folks believe that a resolution is as sacred as a vow, and that to break a resolution is as serious is breaking a vow. But a resolution, serious as it is, is not a vow. It is "a formal declaration of intention" according to dictionary.com, while a vow is a "solemn promise or pledge."

Without making a formal, written list of resolutions, it is easy to forget just what one resolved to change, so I will commit mine to print.

I am resolved to:

• Pray more
• Complain less
• Refrain from gossiping
• Praise good qualities and behavior
• Think positively
• Stop procrastinating, now
• Really listen
• Be compassionate
  
• Employ time constructively
• Help people
• Give more
• Love from a pure heart

These were my resolutions last year, and I'm still working to attain them. What do you see as your "changed priorities ahead" in 2008?