Here we are again—another New Year! Let’s ask ourselves: When we declare our resolutions and set our goals to improve our lives, do we keep in mind God’s plan for each of us? Or do we make plans with only ourselves in mind?
I don’t know about you, but I have just about given up on making goals for the New Year. Time goes by so quickly and I find that whatever I set for myself tends to fall by the wayside, as I struggle just to keep up with daily demands and unforeseen events. Sound familiar? Well, let your heart not be troubled. For we have a God who meets us where we are and whose grace can move us towards our goals.
For 2020, here are 3 simple tips to help you have a happy and holy New Year!
LISTEN:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1
To get to know someone you spend time with them, talk to them and listen to them. This grows the relationship. How can you grow in your relationship with God?
Find time to read scripture to allow God’s Word to speak truth in your life. Set aside daily prayer time. In the silence of your heart, listen to the ways that God is speaking. When we listen to Christ through His Word and allow that truth to penetrate our being, the Word becomes real to us. We are guided daily by the light of life so that God’s love is evident in our joys, works, and even in our sorrows.
LEARN:
“Teach me to do Your Will for You are my God; may Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” Psalm 143:10
The Sacraments, Mass and the ways of the Saints – all of these are integral elements of the Catholic faith, but how much do you know about or practice them?
Carve out some time to discover the beauty and truth found in our Catholic Faith and strive to follow its teachings and traditions more closely in the year ahead. There are many ways to learn more about our faith and practice it daily; read the Catechism of the Catholic Church and books of the Saints, continually receive God’s Mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Eucharist and celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
LOVE:
“This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.” John 15:12
You were created by love and for love. When you love well, you become the hands and feet of Christ. In what ways can you love those around you this year?
The love that we receive from God drives us to love those around us. Choose to love when it’s hard. Make a conscious effort to forgive someone in your life who has hurt you and strive to mend a broken relationship. Love those closest to you [your family, your friends, your spouse, your kids, etc.] Each week, tell 3 people you love how much they mean to you. Reach out and love others. Volunteer at a soup kitchen, shelter or nursing home, donate to charity, go on a mission trip, or pay for the coffee of the person behind you.
Remember, with God, nothing is impossible.
Making resolutions for the new year can seem like a tall task but as long as we listen, learn, and love as we are called to do, every resolution, every goal, and every moment of our lives will be led by our Loving God.
Carol Monaco is an independent writer and speaker. For the past 17 years, she has been the writer/editor of Journey to Our Lady, a spiritual publication that helps readers seek out a closer relationship to our Blessed Mother, who draws the faithful closer to the Holy Trinity. From her Journey, Carol has authored Treasures of the Rosary and Heavenly Mother Help Me; Prayers, Poetry and Prose for Daily Living, as companions for individuals trying to live their faith every day. Her devotional columns can be found in Liguorian magazine, CatholicStand.com and Catholic365.com. Carol’s spiritual reflections, poetry, and prayers are available on her web site: www.journeytoourlady.com and on Twitter:
