New Year’s resolutions often seem like a joke. When I was routinely going to a gym, I always chuckled at the beginning of the year, trying to guess how long a new person would stick with it. But I guess I still appreciate a time to reflect and consider adjustments. I will share a few things I’ve thought about recently with the dawning of 2024.
I’ve documented something I would like to read or study for each month of 2024. I’m also hoping to summarize what I’ve learned with a little bit of writing. I won’t give you a full list, but a few of them are: studying the book of Daniel with the help of a couple of online resources, studying Colorado’s labor laws, reading books about Guatemala and Ethiopia, and reading “Faith-Rooted Organization.” Feel free to check in with me later in the year and see if I’m still on track. 😊
I’ve edited a document where I have written out the life rhythms I’m striving to follow, particularly on a spiritual discipline theme. Scripture memorization and fasting are two disciplines I’ve historically struggled with but which I’m currently working to better incorporate into my regular routines. (I tend to fast from social media, not from food.) I get extra motivation from my kids these days, as they are becoming impressive Scripture memorization “athletes.”
One last set of goals I will mention is related to hiking. Challenging mountain hikes are one of my absolute favorite activities. The gravitational pull I now have towards the Rockies is strong. It takes some driving to get into them, but they are close enough that I can try to get a few good hikes in each year. I’m aiming for three good ones in 2024. The first one currently on my list is Herman Gulch Trail. I might try to conquer my first 14er (above 14,000 feet in elevation at the peak) later in the year.
At my weekly men’s Bible study this week, my pastor noted he doesn’t really like the “Happy New Year” greeting. He prefers “Happy New Day.” That seems to work best in the morning, but I do like it. It reminds me of one of my favorite Bible passages: “Because of the Lord’s faithful love we do not perish, for his mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness! I say, “The Lord is my portion, therefore I will put my hope in him.” (Lamentations 3:22-24, CSB)
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