It’s a new year. Time for resolutions! Let me share a simple, practical resolution I have made.

Last month, I reached the final stages of packing for the big move to our new house. I pulled out two wire-type racks like the ones in an oven, but these were smaller. I had them standing up, leaning against some paper bags in the cabinet. 

Now these wire shelves were a constant aggravation, frequently falling over. When I pulled them out to pack them, my daughter asked, “What are they for?”

For the first time, I stopped to consider what they were used for. Too little for the oven. No, not for the grill set. I hadn’t used them for the twelve years we had lived in this house. Why had I put them in such a usable location? And what in the world were they for?

It finally dawned on me that they were for our old microwave, but we never opted to use them. Further more, we had to purchase a new microwave three years ago and it wasn’t built to use the racks. Why, oh why did I fight with these racks all these years?

I promptly took them to the recycle place. They would not mess with me for one more day!

Well, this got me to thinking. What else sub-consciously brings me aggravation for no good reason?

After we moved, I became aware that the Kroger bag I was using in a new bathroom waste can kept sliding down in the can farther and pulling away from the sides. I tossed things in and they slipped between the bag and the can. “Okay,” I said to myself, “I’m not going to keep being bothered by this little bag. I found a pack of larger liners and, voila! No frustration!

So, you see, I’m on a mission to become aware of things, even little things, that bring aggravation or frustration and promptly fix the problem instead of letting it fester.

Perhaps we need to watch for this in more weighty issues as well. We can easily become anxious about an incident or relationship. Instead of dealing with it head on, we can allow it to build and smolder for lengthy periods of time.

It’s good to heed Paul’s words to the Philippians.

The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:5-7

Anyway, I share my simple, but practical resolution. Perhaps you’ll discover something you need to work on to bring about a better year for you.

We’ll get back to David next week and see how he’s making it in the run from King Saul. (Talk about frustration!)

Meanwhile—

Happy New Year!

~ Joyce ~