Last Thursday it was my turn to write the Pastor's Corner for the local paper. It just seemed right to write about some self improvement goals for the new year. They are all works in progress....as am I.
It is a new year! Many of
us see the new year as an opportunity to reflect on the year that has
passed and make changes for the coming year. So, what can I do to
make me a better person and this world a better place? Here are a
few things I am targeting for myself and maybe (or maybe not) they
apply to you as well.
Don't pre-judge:
Too often I catch myself sizing people up when I first meet them. I
need to keep an open mind because first impressions can also be the
wrong impression.
Be generous: I am
talking about everything. I need to be more generous with my praise
of others, my time spent helping others and giving financial support
to those in need.
Be a better listener:
I need to truly hear what people are saying and pick up on what is
not being said.
Pray more: Praying
throughout the day will help me stay more God centered.
Comfort others more:
I want to make sure that when others share with me their
difficulties, I respond in a way that lets them know they are being
heard.
Share my faith:
People are sometimes timid about sharing their faith. I want to
increase my sharing of the good news simply because it is good news!
Welcome strangers:
Being a stranger can be a lonely experience and sometimes a little
scary. I know because I have been that person. A smile and a
handshake along with conversation are a pretty easy way to make
someone's life a little better.
Continue to look for
the good in people: Several years ago a friend of mine asked me
what I thought of someone who had a reputation for being difficult.
My response was, “I like parts of him.” Everyone has qualities
that can be appreciated. Sometimes we just need to look below the
surface to find those qualities.
Love more: All of
the resolutions I have just listed are really about love. Jesus said
the two greatest commandments are to love your God and love your
neighbor. He reminded us that all the other laws will fall in place
if these two commandments are kept.
May your new year be
blessed with love, happiness and a God centered life.
Fr. Fred Steinbach
St. Andrew's Episcopal
Church
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