The Epiphany Feast is a perfect solemnity for New Year's resolutions. I generally avoid resolutions on the first of the year, partly because I am still reveling in the Christmas season and am not yet ready to think about mortification or changing anything about my life, and partly because a great feast is soon to come which seems to invoke personal amendment as the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh are offered to Our Lord on this day.So here they are, my small resolutions for the new year (I am hoping that by posting them here I will be held accountable for my offerings and lessen the likelihood of failure.) :
Gold: Two days a month devoted to someone in need. This can be making dinner for a new mother, baking a dessert for a neighbor, babysitting for a friend for an afternoon while she runs necessary errands, and the like. A dear friend gave me this idea at a time when I was aching to do some type of volunteer work or join a charity group and could not decide how best to facilitate my desire with two girls in tow.
Frankincense: Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament once a week. This stems from that lovely Catholic Devotions Meme which was passed around a few weeks ago. I never expected that meme to bring about any good on my end, but here I am, hoping that the next time I am tagged for a meme like this, I will be able to answer at least ONE of the questions differently.
Myrrh: No blogging while my girls are awake. Now this will be quite a mortification, as I've come to realize my recent addiction to the virtual life. Small things have been slipping through the cracks around here since, oh, about December 2nd, and as my primary vocation is home and family my time on the internet must be organized better. I won't be blogging less, just at well-restricted times of the day!
I am sad to see the Christmas season end. We had a marvelous Advent and Christmas this year, and as my little ones grow the holidays are more special and wonder-filled than ever before. But thankfully, all days, even Ordinary ones are extraordinary with children!
9 comments:
These are great resolutions! May you keep them.
I agree with Suzanne--these are beautiful resolutions! May I join you? :)
Beautiful! I hope to follow your example.
Very nice.
These are great resolutions. The third one is something I'm considering.
These are great! Thanks for the inspiration!
Oh, thank you for your encouragement, ladies! I posted this last night and when I read it today I thought I shouldn't have. (The old Ash Wednesday gospel: "But when you fast, perfume your hair and wash your face, so that no one may see that you are fasting, except your Father who is unseen, and your Father who sees what is secret, will reward you.")
But now I see that I am more resigned than ever to keep my resolutions as you are my witnesses, and so is my husband and mother-in-law! (And don't worry, the girls are napping now! :)
These are wonderful resolutions, and show a real generosity of spirit. I'm sure the Lord will bless you in your desire to sustain them.
Beautiful :-)
I am so touched by and so grateful for the loving goodwill I am seeing at blogs today.
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