2012: The Year of Extra Wrinkles.

I used to laugh and roll my eyes at all the over-the-top "New Year's Resolution" commercials on TV.  I'd give the same response to the friend, neighbor, or family member that would earnestly ask me "so what's your New Year's resolution?"

"My New Year's Resolution is not to have any more New Year's Resolutions." I would say sarcastically.

Then I got married.  I can't remember what year it was, probably the early 2000's, but I remember thinking to myself at this time of year,  "holy crap, if I'm dead-honest with myself, I'm a real screw up. I'm selfish, self-motivated, and self-centered.  Even when I pretend I'm looking out for others, I'm really only looking out for myself.  Maybe I actually should commit to making a change in the next year.....not like a commitment to lose weight or take a vacation, but a real change within me.  Something about who I am right now that needs some work.  God, what do you want me to work on in the next year?"

And thus began my tradition of intentional reflection and self-evaluation at the end of each year.

Here they are for 2012 (for all the world to see!):

1) Actually listen to my wife.  I have the terrible habit of saying "yeah yeah yeah" when she's talking to me, and I don't even know what I'm agreeing to with her.  Also, maybe some of you men out there have noticed as well....our wives drop hints about things all the time.  It could be about going on a date, getting a project done at home, walking the dogs, etc.  As we've been married for over 10 years now, I certainly understand when she's dropping the hint....and yet, it's all to easy to just ignore it.  This year, I'm going to actually listen to my wife.

2) I'm going to actively engage my children in activities every day.  This one is so easy to put off because we're tired or have "better" things to do.  Credit goes to my wife on this one.  She said recently (paraphrasing), "all I do around here is clean up, fix meals, and do laundry.  Isaiah is already 5.  I'm done putting him off because I have to fold clothes.  I'm going to hang out with my kids and enjoy them while I'm home.  This is a very special time of life for them, and before we know it, it's going to be gone.  I'm not going to waste it anymore."  I couldn't agree more with this assessment.  Far too often I let the kids play by themselves so I can get another thing done.  In the end it's not vacuuming that the kids and I are going to remember.  We're going to remember quality time together, actively engaging each other.  Gina and I are both going to invest in this in 2012.

I hope and pray that 2012 is a wonderful year for you.  I'm excited to listen to my wife and engage my kids. 

  

And if my clothes have a few extra wrinkles, you'll know I'm keeping my commitment.