Small, steady intentions, the kind that shape how a year is actually lived.
I’m excited about entering into another year of counseling couples and individuals and loving all whom God puts in my path!
I believe that God’s favor will rest upon me and my family in the New Year. But I want to focus on what I can proactively do for others, as I do in the counseling office. Here are some thoughts. You may want to make your own list.
● I can let myself be interrupted more often.
● I can return a frown with a smile more often.
● I can pray more for the child in Kenya that my wife and I sponsor.
● I can drive defensively and let a rude driver cut in front of me without becoming angry.
● While “guarding my heart,” I can think the best of everyone I meet.
● I can encourage others to “go out on a limb” and try something they’ve been afraid to do. I can do the same for myself!
● I can slow down and talk to people at work a little more (I’m already pretty good at this, but I can get better at slowing down!).
● I can surprise my wife with flowers more than I do now.
● I can give a free seminar on marriage, depression, or another issue.
I think that if I keep my focus on others, somehow there will be spiritual and psychological benefits to me, too. But that doesn’t affect my focus.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4).