I’m not much into New Year’s resolutions. I find it an odd tradition. If you really want to change your life, why wait until January 1 to start? But perhaps it’s a positive thing if it helps us to truly focus on being better human beings — even if our New Year’s resolutions only last a few days or weeks!
Take a look at some of these popular New Year’s resolutions for 2009:
- In 2009, I resolve to eat better.
- In 2009, I resolve to keep my home in better shape.
- In 2009, I resolve to take better care of my body.
- In 2009, I resolve to be better about what I spend my money on.
- In 2009, I resolve to look for a new job.
Any of those look familiar?
Now, go back and read those resolutions again … but this time, from the perspective of a person living in poverty.
Imagine a little boy in Kenya who resolves to eat better because he’s tired of going to bed hungry. Imagine a single mother in Peru who resolves to keep her 6’x6’ shack clean. I’ve seen families that sweep their dirt floors just to try to keep their humble homes presentable.
Imagine a little girl in India who wants to take control of her own body instead of falling prey to the men who abuse it. Imagine the family that scrapes together spare change to eat today. Imagine the father who is desperately searching for a job so he can give his children an education and a shot at life.
This year, I urge you to resolve to do something about global poverty. Get involved.
Here’s a list of suggested, revised New Year’s resolutions for you:
- In 2009, I resolve to go on a mission trip.
- In 2009, I resolve to help my church start a food pantry — or donate to an existing one on a regular basis.
- In 2009, I resolve to pray for children trapped in poverty.
- In 2009, I resolve to support a ministry that cares for the poor.
- In 2009, I resolve to think beyond myself and truly make a difference in the life of a child living in poverty.
And let’s try to make these New Year’s resolutions last.
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Tim Glenn my fellow Philippines Sponsor!!!!!!! I will take your challenge 😉 Both of them
In 2009, I resolve to eat better.
In 2009, I resolve to keep my home in better shape. (already have a goal time for the Bolder Boulder in May 2010)
In 2009, I resolve to take better care of my body. (Already on a crazy diet that is hard to keep, not b/c of calories but b/c I can’t eat the stuff I crave)
In 2009, I resolve to be better about what I spend my money on. (I spent a good chunk of my earnings on the 2009 Philippines Sponsor Tour an eternal investment)
In 2009, I resolve to look for a new job. (I got fired from driving the Taxi or “asked to leave”… sort of 😉 and started refereeing soccer games.
In 2009, I resolve to go on a mission trip. (leave Sat. June 6, 2009 for Philippines Sponsor Tour)
In 2009, I resolve to help my church start a food pantry — or donate to an existing one on a regular basis. (I will donate to the Global Churches food pantry through Compassion family gifts)
In 2009, I resolve to pray for children trapped in poverty. (I often pray for my sponsored kids daily)
In 2009, I resolve to support a ministry that cares for the poor. (I am currently supporting Compassion through sponsorship)
In 2009, I resolve to think beyond myself and truly make a difference in the life of a child living in poverty. (I am visiting my sponsor kids to help and try to blow their minds and mine as well and to let them know I BELIEVE they can reach their dreams and tell them face to face I haven’t given up on mine either!!!!!!!
Thanks for the list Tim!!!!!!! Here is my email again and I would love to send you some pictures/videos when I get back from the trip if you like.
([email protected])
I Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for YOU!!!”
This is absolutely fantastic!!
sounds like a great plan. love it. m.
I hope you don’t mind if I unashamedly plagiarize and embellish this post and send it to prospective sponsors… well, I did… thanks for the reminder 😉
All I can say is “wow!” What a difference perspective makes. I’m off to put this on my blog – other people need to see this…
Wow what a great list (the second one). I don’t do too well with resolutions, but this year I am going to be more focused on my prayers. I might add some of these to my list as well.
Thanks!
The first list is focused on “me” and the second list is focused on “others”.
We need to focus outwardly a lot more than we do.
I was struck recently when I cashed in a $50 gift card for a watch. Not too bad by American standards. They come a lot cheaper, but also a lot more expensive.
Then my cousin visits my sponsored child in Indonesia and reports back that the father makes about $50 a month.
Imagine spending an entire month’s income on a watch.