Notes From Day Seven: New Year's resolutions too

Last week, I suggested a number of New Year's Resolutions we might consider, ones that are friendly towards friends, faith and the future of our planet. This is the concluding installment.

I will try to love what's available locally and avoid recreational travel. This is a tough one because I love to explore new things. But fossil fuel-driven travel is so destructive to the environment that I have to start making changes.

This one could get complicated too, but I will think more about living close to my family and friends. They can be irritating at times, but my heart tells me it's a good thing to stay close. I'll try to stay closer than I have been planning. I am told that this will be far more useful than a high-paying career or vacations in Orlando and, really, I think that's true.

I will try to take it easy on the health care system. This means finding a way to look after little things without going to the emergency room or the doctor. I'll aim to learn when, on the one hand, I should go to the doctor, and on the other, when I should stay home, go to school or go to work.

Raising a family and always being there for them — most days, that's one of the last things on my mind. But it is said that having a permanent marriage and giving two or three children a great start in life is one of the greatest blessings around. It's also difficult, but so what? Really, what isn't? And if it weren't difficult, how valuable would it actually be?

I will try to see God in everything and everyone: in the kind word someone speaks to me; in the thrill of a sports or music event; in tonight's darkness; in tomorrow morning's Americano; in the privilege of attending a first-rate community college; in the ability and opportunity to read the Interrobang; in my parents; in me. And I will thank Him every hour for the incredible life I have. It's a gift I didn't earn.

I will check out some local churches to see if I can be comfortable in one. "Attend the church of your choice," was a slogan in the 1950s. Or it might have been the '60s. It's not important. Those decades are gone, but churches aren't and reconnecting with one I feel comfortable with is, I have heard, one of the best things I can do.

As much as possible, I will try to make or grow what I need. No, I don't mean that kind of growing. I mean growing food.

Finally, I will try to pray for good things for other people. If I can't pray, maybe I will just try desiring the best for others. And, while I am at it, I will pray for some good things for me, too.

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