Resolutions...not

I have made one successful New Years resolution in my life. About three years ago, I resolved not to make any New Years resolutions. This is one could be in jeopardy, but I have determined that there is a better word than resolution. Perhaps we should call them goals or targets. This is better because if you miss the target, you just keep trying. With resolutions, you do things like resolve not to overeat. This is a common one and usually works pretty well by midday on January 1st when you've sat down with your Bowl Party snack. At this point you decide you've blown it and get up for your fourth plateful of chips. The only good that comes out of that is that the pressure is then off.

I hear of people who take the end of the year to reflect and take inventory and then plan for the upcoming year. After 40 years, I figured I'd give that a shot. (I've always been a little late to the dance). This is not an exhaustive list, but here are some goals I have for the upcoming year.

In 2009 I intend to

• intentionally "carve out" time specifically for my wife and me.
• continue spending an hour or so every morning reading scripture, praying and drinking coffee. :-)
• read the following books: Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands (P. David Tripp), The Reason for God (Timothy Keller), Surprised by Hope (N.T. Wright), Don't Waste Your Life (John Piper), The Chronicles of Narnia (Books 1 & 2 were finished on New Years eve and day...5 more to go), The Edge of the Tidal Pools (Michele Phoenix).
• take at least one class at Reformed Theological Seminary.
• continue to go to the gym 2 to 4 times a week.
• eat after 7pm only one time per week. (I'm not doing too well int his area so far :-) )
  

I suppose there's more, but hey, when someone who reads this asks me in December how I did, I don't want them to see ALL of my missed targets. :-)