Happy New (Resolutions) Year!

I've experienced it again. Not merely the passing of another year; but the reminiscence of the thoughts as 2010 came to its extinction. And as the clock struck midnight, Jan. 1, 2012, I thought to myself, "If that's how quickly 2011 has come and gone, I expect 2012 to be just as swift - if not, more so."

It's been deja vu every single year - a final minute countdown while watching Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve on ABC, and warm wishes from loved ones for the coming year. I certainly welcome the optimism and joy; but one can't help but think of the dread of living the same type of year all over again. It seems as though during the last week of December, everyone thinks about what he/she will accomplish for the next year. And it also seems during this time, that one cannot compile a laundry list of what was accomplished for the immediate, yet ending year.

But of course, that's only one way of looking at the end of each year (and sheesh, it's quite depressing!). Here's another way of looking at it: this is not the end of a year, but the continuation of life! I've had 24 years to experience God; and of those 24, the last four have been spent knowing and growing in Him. Yet I can enjoy a prospective fifth year of His faithfulness, patience, kindness, and mercy. I may not be consistent with my resolutions, but I know God is with His. And I know He's resolved to establish His glory and the good for those who love Him.
So as we bid adieu to 2011 and welcome 2012, we must remember that though the year has changed, He hasn't. Cheers, my friends!

By the way, here are some of my resolutions (and I may need to refer back to this list come April or May, haha):

• Lose 30 pounds of unnecessary weight (bye-bye candy? No!)
• Be more adventurous! (Salsa dancing classes? Learn how to cook? - etc.)
• Be a more disciplined reader
  
• Learn and participate in trading Securities
• Maximize my 401(k) plan

...I may add more to this later on, we'll see. =)