My Resolutions

It’s the time of year for resolutions, and that has me reflecting on some of my most successful ones.  I spent many years trying to write a book before a resolution changed everything.  The problem was that I kept starting a new book.  I knew writing was fun and kept forgetting that it’s also hard.  One year, I resolved not to write a book but to finish one.  When I actually accomplished that, proved to myself I could do the hard work, it made the rest of my writing even more fun.  There is so much more joy in a project when you know it’ll eventually be something to share.  The struggles and frustrations turn into good when I have a complete work to show for it.

While I generally keep my private life private, I will say that I’ve been married for twenty-five years.  My husband and I resolved to raise wonderful children together.  I admit that one’s rather vague.  I think it’s going well though.  My kids (some of whom aren’t technically kids anymore) entertain me every day.  They throw out one-liners as though I might be living in a sit-com and provide excellent material for my books.  If I ever find myself writing a character’s reaction to a massive hole in someone’s backyard, it’ll be one of those things “used fictitiously.” 

God’s ways are mysterious.  I may never know why he was determined to give me a head full of gray hair earlier than most.  About five years ago, I resolved to stop fighting him on it.  I’d say that resolution has been pretty successful as well.  I now get offered the senior discount on a regular basis.  This is a great source of amusement to everyone who knows I’m still more than a decade from qualifying. 

I guess that’s why I’m not making any resolutions this year, unless resolving to do more of the same counts.  More books, more laughs, more leaving God in control.  I think that’s a recipe for a good year.  And if I ever need more joy, I’ll grab a shovel and join my kids in the backyard.  They seem to think it’s buried out there somewhere.