Last week, I talked about why I no longer make New Year’s Resolutions. Below is the poem written by inspirational writer Max Lucado that I have been putting on my blog for the past several years on New Year’s Day. This is a perfect thought to post on your bathroom mirror and be reminded of every day. Every day we can choose to be just a little better… more loving, more forgiving, more kind, more patient….
I have created a downloadable PDF which you can print out for hanging. Click here.
I CHOOSE LOVE…
No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today I will love God and what God loves.
No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today I will love God and what God loves.
I CHOOSE JOY…
I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance.I will refuse the temptation to be cynical… the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.
I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance.I will refuse the temptation to be cynical… the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.
I CHOOSE PEACE…
I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.
I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.
I CHOOSE PATIENCE…
I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I’ll invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clenching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.
I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I’ll invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clenching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.
I CHOOSE KINDNESS…
I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone.I will be kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.
I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone.I will be kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.
I CHOOSE GOODNESS…
I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness.
I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness.
I CHOOSE FAITHFULNESS…
Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife (husband) will not question my love. And my children will never fear that their father (mother) will not come home.
Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife (husband) will not question my love. And my children will never fear that their father (mother) will not come home.
I CHOOSE GENTLENESS…
Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice, may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it only be in prayer. If I make a demand, may it only be of myself.
Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice, may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it only be in prayer. If I make a demand, may it only be of myself.
I am a spiritual being…
After this body is dead, my spirit will soar.
I refuse to let what will rot rule the eternal.
I choose self-control.
I will be drunk only by joy.
I will be impassioned only by my faith.
I will be influenced only by God.
I will be taught only by God.
I choose self-control.
Each day I choose:
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
To these I commit my day.
If I succeed, I will give thanks.
If I fail, I will seek His grace.
And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.
Max Lucado
6 Comments
This is beautiful. Thank you! Happy New Year!
Thanks, Jocelyn! Happy New Year to you also!
That is lovely….something that should be read every day.
Yes Mary, I agree!
Jacquelynne, that is beautiful – thanks for sharing it! I printed out the pdf, but the blue lettering is blurry and hard to read – it is probably my printer. I feel very blessed to have gotten the chance to know you and work with you this past year, and looking forward to more in 2014!
Its 2018 and this is still as relevant as ever. Countless blessings Jacquelynne
However I CHOOSE SELF-CONTROL… seems to be missing up there. I feel people are going to be checking up on this post till kingdom come.