As this New Year's Eve dawns, I've got that old Barry Manilow tune rolling round in my head. "It's just another New Year's Eve. Another night like all the rest..."
Well, maybe the night won't be ike all the rest, but the day certainly is. Up early, played some games, played some trivia, have dishes to do and so on. I just got out of the shower and I'm sitting here dripping wet as I write this, letting my hair air dry for a while before I hit it with the blow-dryer. After I do all my little menial tasks today, I'm going to do my hair and get dressed up for my husband, even though we aren't going anywhere or doing anything for New Year's Eve except staying home. I think it's a nice idea to get dressed up for your husband once in a while.
One of the things I've always loved about New Year's Eve is the fact that all over the world, people, regardless of their differences in race, creed, or nationality, are united in celebration for one common thing - the throwing away the old year and letting the past remain in the past while welcoming in the new year with all the hope and promise of the future and new beginnings.
I've decided not to do any resolutions this year, because every time I do them, I end up letting myself down at some point when my resolution fails. Instead, I'm just going to make small changes to my life here and there throughout the year, and maybe they will turn into good habits while getting rid of old bad habits. I'm not even going to list the changes I intend to make, because that's like making a resolution. I'm just going to do it, and write about it while it's happening. I think I'll be subtle enough with these changes that perhaps you won't even recognize that I'm doing them. They'll just... happen. We'll see. You all know I'm about as subtle as a bull in a china shop.
Today's chapter in The Purpose Driven Life, coincidentally, is about unity and protecting the church. The chapter calls it "your church" and while I think it's important to protect the church you belong to and foster unity among parishioners, I think the bigger picture is what needs to be looked at... the Church as a whole. Regardless of denomination, we are one Church, and Jesus prayed for unity among us. He didn't pray that all of us should worship in the same way or be of the same denomination, but prayed for unity among believers. That's the larger goal, and what I feel is the most important.
I really try, when I'm involved in a church, to promote unity. Unfortunately, not everyone else does. I'm guilty, however, of complaining and speaking out against dissenters, when really, I should be loving them anyway and trying to resolve differences, and then if I cannot, THEN and ONLY then, should I treat them as unbelievers. But I still shouldn't be complaining because that tears down, instead of builds up, so I will try to curb my tongue, not listen to or spread gossip, and above all, try to protect the unity of the Church in all things.
Point to Ponder: It is my responsibility to protect the unity of my church. (THE Church)
Verse to Remember: Romans 14:19 - Let us concentrate on the things which make for harmony and the growth of our fellowship together.
Question to Consider: What am I personally doing to protect unity in my church family right now?
The sad, easy answer to that question is nothing, because I haven't gotten involved with my church family, other than sporadically attending Mass. I need to rectify that before I can attempt to do anything else.
If you go out tonight to celebrate the new year, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE have a designated driver in case you decide to drink. PLEASE don't drink and drive. I want to keep all of you around for a long time to come.
I love you!
Robin
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