I have decided not to make resolutions this year. Instead, I want to live by the rule of St. Benedict, "Ora et Labora" (pray and work). Rather than making resolutions, I want to simply do what is before me each day. Certainly, there are things I must plan to do, things I must schedule, goals I must attain to. What I want to avoid is becoming negative.
I began my year with a clean slate. I am keeping the past where it belongs. I went to confession and received merciful forgiveness and inspiration for the days to come.
I am setting out to keep my thoughts pure. I will have to be careful what I feed my mind and what I allow myself to dwell upon. I am attempting to pray for those who irritate, offend, or frustrate me rather than being critical. This would be an exercise in futility if I did not receive grace from God. Since I do receive that grace, I know that I can do better.
I am setting out to act more quickly, not to procrastinate, but to simply start doing what needs to be done. If something requires planning, I must plan efficiently and then start taking the steps I plan rather than getting bogged down in details.
I am also setting out to get my body down to a healthy weight. I am going to be honest about what that requires and I am going to work diligently towards my goal. If I want to get to a healthy weight and stay there, I am going to have to be self-disciplined. I will have to exercise regularly and consistently make good dietary choices. Many of us want to believe there is a shortcut, but there is not. Exchanging good habits for bad ones is the only way to maintain a healthy weight.
I am not setting out to do these things under my own power. I would surely fail. Instead, I am relying upon the Holy Spirit to give me prudence which will bear the fruit of self-control. Father John, a priest at my parish, is a fine example of this dependence on the Holy Spirit for self-control. He enjoys food as much as the next person, but he does not overindulge. He carefully controls his portions so that he can enjoy everything. As a result, he maintains a steady weight. Because he is a healthy weight and he does not overdo any of the foods he enjoys, he is free of many health issues and he is able to serve the Church to his fullest abilities. I believe that, depending upon the Holy Spirit's help, I can accomplish all of the things that God wants me to do.
The most important part of every day is prayer time. I have discovered that I am most productive, most creative, and most inspired when I am spending time each day in prayer. Morning and evening prayers are essential if I wish to accomplish my best each day. I use the Liturgy of the Hours for my prayers (praying the scriptures) and sometimes supplement with the Divine Mercy Chaplet or the Rosary if I have extra time for reflection. I have learned great deal by contemplating the scriptures that accompany the mysteries as I prayed the Rosary, and have received many unique insights.
I strongly believe that the best way to live is by praying and working. Prayer gives life perspective, work completes its purposes. My motto in 2015 will be "Ora et Labora"!
