The Day After

No, I'm not referring to the made-for-Television movie from 1983. I'm talking about the day after Christmas. The gifts are unwrapped, the meals eaten and exchange of goodwill between family and friends are, for the most part, complete. We've only a few days left of 2010 and then the birth of a new year is upon us.

The Holidays will soon be over; decorations and lights will be taken down and songs of celebration will give way to the sounds of everyday life. Things will soon be back to 'normal'.

What does normal look like to you?

For me, it's a circular pattern of weekdays and weekends that intertwine work, (home) family and church. Quite predictably, I'm spending almost all of my time in one of these three places, doing basically the same things throughout the year. It's not a bad thing; in fact it helps keep me grounded as a Christian man. However, sometimes it's a good thing to plan on doing something new.

What are your designs on 2011? I'm not talking about New Year's resolutions that are often made in haste, and have no staying power. I'm talking about honest to goodness change.

Perhaps before you can honestly answer that question, you'll need to evaluate the successes and failures held within 2010. Would you do or handle any of life's situations differently now, if you were pressed to face them again today? Do you have any regrets? Are there lessons learned that need applying?

Ponder 2010 for awhile, and maybe write down some bullet points. Don't worry, I'll wait right here.

Now that you're back, what did you come up with?

I plan on spending more quality time with my wife and children. I'm not talking about just being in the same house or room, and calling it "quality time". More activities, meaningful conversations, meals, fun and laughter are in store for 2011. With each birthday, I'm reminded of just how quickly their childhood is fleeting- and I already have far too many regrets about what should have been. I also plan on being a much better husband to the wife the Lord has blessed me with. She deserves nothing but the best, and I feel that she often gets short-changed. I'll be a better friend to those who call me friend, as well.

At work, I plan on giving it my all- day in and day out. Even when nobody is watching. At church, I'll honor my commitments in volunteering. I'll work to be more reliable, and if I can't accomplish something within a reasonable time-frame, I'll learn to say "no".

Above all else, I plan on diving deeper into a relationship with Jesus. I'll spend less time placing my demands and more time listening and learning about Him through the daily expression of the Word (reading it myself, or via podcast).

So, what am I planning to do differently in 2011? Nothing. And, everything.

Perhaps you'll consider joining me?

Good night.