WRITTEN FOR BFF 153 ~ MY NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION
I resolve to LOVE more…
1 Corinthians 13
New International Version (NIV)
1 If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
My Grandmother had an expression that I think of often. She used to say that “It doesn’t cost a dime to be decent”. In today’s world, it is common for persons to speak their mind. Personally, I’m all for speaking my mind, however, that does not give me the right to hurt another person. A point of view can be stated without condemning another person for not thinking the exact way that I think. Along the same vein, I would add that it costs nothing to love, but the return is priceless.
My Mother used to tell me that if I couldn’t say anything nice, then say nothing at all. I forgot that for a while… I’m sorry. Sorry enough that I have repented for several months now. I am happier being “decent”. My tongue has been bruised a few times as I bite back a retort. Mostly, retorts are not necessary. Just move on…nothing to see here folks…
Mom also taught me the Golden Rule. I could recite the Golden Rule from memory by the time I was 4 years old.
I believe that I was given a good moral foundation. I strayed for a time, but I resolve to be better.
So…my resolutions for 2012 are these:
1. I resolve to be patient and kind
2. I resolve to be humble, without envy or pride
3. I resolve to treat other people with respect
4. I resolve to not be self seeking or to be easily angered
5. I will not keep track of wrongs, but instead, forgive quickly
6. I resolve to delight in truth and to avoid evil
7. I resolve to remember to always protect, always trust, always hope, always persevere for those I love.
8. I resolve to be ever reminded that everything comes down to faith, hope and love, but the greatest of these is love.
9. Last, but not least…I resolve to live by the Golden Rule.
Mostly, it comes easy to me to Love and treat others as I like to be treated, but 2012 is an election year, which will make it a little hard. I should attach one more resolution to stay out of political debates, but I’m afraid I will break that one. So, let me say that I will try really hard to stay out of political discussions and please forgive me if I fail…
Happy New Year my friends!
That is a wonderful resolution! I think I can honestly say that I will be resolving much of the same plus a couple others, where I have failed miserably or been very weak.
ReplyDeleteHappiest New Year to you and I feel your love all the time, btw.
Happy New Year to you too, Jo. Glad you feel my love. I do love my family and friends. I even love some ppl who don't love me. But, that's okay. It's better to give than to receive...
ReplyDeleteGreat list, Darlene.
ReplyDeleteThese scripture about love are almost if not the most beautiful scripture in the whole Bible. I love your whole blog and I also always feel your love and sincere friendship. Happy New Year ((((DaBoola)))) <3
ReplyDeleteAlways a beautiful reminder. I just ferried four flights of holiday travelers. Roughly 700 passengers, and except for one scary mommy, they were lovely and kind. I'm so grateful.
ReplyDeleteHave a marvellous New Year Darlene.
What a wonderful post - I need to go back and read it again. The reminders are priceless. My best to you.
ReplyDeleteIf only we could strive to be better stewards of God's love. Thank you for a beautiful reminder. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful was that post? I think we all want to resolve to love more. Here Here.... Great post
ReplyDelete@ Clifford: Thanks, Clifford. I learned a lot about loving others by watching you.
ReplyDelete@ Sh Boola: I agree with you. This chapter is one of my most favorite passages. And, you know I will always love you my dear friend!
@ GP Diva: I'm glad your passengers were not difficult. Christmas does bring out the best in most people. Are you going to write about the "scary Mommy"? I'd love to read it. I have been mostly AWOL for the holidays, but I hope to get back into the swing of things soon...
@Maria: Thank you and I am pleased to meet you. I checked out your blog and am quite impressed with your accomplishments. I would love to follow your blog. I have a vet appt this morning, but will try to join your blogs later today. Blogger was not cooperating when I tried earlier. K?
@ Kat: I did manage to get to your blogs this morning. I am following. Sadly, we both suffered tragic loss of our Mom's. It's 3 years for me. If I can help you through the rough spots, please feel free to call on me. K?
@ Laura: I also resolve to be more careful with my words. My tendency to be painfully blunt is not a good trait. I've been working on that. Thank you for forgiving me.
"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely my very favorite quote from the bible in one of my favorite chapters. Wonderful words to live by!
Darlene, This is a great resolution, and an inspiration to me. Sometimes it's easy to get caught up in the busyness of life, and to forget how important it is to take the extra time to give to others. You never know what might be going on in someone's life, and a little kindness could completely turn their day around. I hope you have a wonderful 2012.
ReplyDelete@Mom of the Perpetually Grounded: One of my favorites as well. I want to live it. I want people to expect love from me and nothing mean spirited. I don't want to be anybody's bad experience. Thank you so much for visiting, reading and commenting. I appreciate it very much. P.S....I love your name!
ReplyDelete@ Theresa: You said "You never know what might be going on in someone's life, and a little kindness could completely turn their day around." EXACTLY! Recently, I was hurt very much by someone I considered a dear friend. I was already in crisis with another issue and my emotions were raw. She had no idea about what I was going through as she ripped into me. I have done similar, so I'm far from perfect, but right then and there, I resolved that I would never jump on another person as long as I live. At the same time, I also resolved to be a real friend to my friends. My love for my friends is not always returned in kind, but I like me better that way. Thank you so much for being one of my friends. I have grown fond of you quickly for the wonderful person you are.
I love this Darlene and I don't have any doubt at all that you will be able to keep your resolutions because you are one of the most loving people that I know. I am proud to call you my friend and I love you dearly <3 Happy New Year and may 2012 be a blessed year for you and your loved one :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tracie. I do love people, but I have allowed the anger stage of grief to linger a little long since the death of my Mom. My anger at the tragedy doesn't resolve a thing, but I can resolve to put myself in check to reclaim the real me.
ReplyDeleteOh my does this ever resonate with me.
ReplyDeleteMy own tongue should be bruised a bit more often than it is.
Wonderfully done and many thanks for sharing these wise words to live by.
You're so well loved :) <3
Thank you, Deb. I keep this in the foremost part of my mind daily. I don't want to be anybody's bad experience. I forgot that for a while, which shames me. I resolve to love or keep my mouth shut!
DeleteThank you so much for reading.