On December 31st, I had the opportunity to preach on the feast of Mary, the Mother of God. My homily focused on the fact that a new year calls us to reflect, sort out, and understand – that our lives are fundamentally changed by Christ. I spoke of how Mary couldn’t help but ponder the drastic changes her son would bring to her life, and maybe even her world.
As all of us take the time to look back over the past year, and all those important days and events, can we see how God was present and active in all of them?
Then, I shared my list of the ten things that I learned in 2011. At the request of many, here is my list:
1. When you get to know people with different ethnic backgrounds, from different cities and countries, who live at various socioeconomic levels, you begin to realize that everyone basically wants the same things. They want validation, love, happiness, fulfillment and hopes for a better future. Now the way they pursue these desires is a little different, but the fundamentals are the same. We can relate to almost anyone if we look past the superficial fascades that divide us. It’s this simple: love your neighbor!
2. The more things you own, the more your things own you. Less truly gives you more freedom. When you stop chasing the wrong things, you give the right things a chance to catch you.
3. If you think you’re having a good hair day, don’t let anyone talk you out of it. Everyone deserves to feel good about one’s self.
4. Someone will always be better looking. Someone will always be smarter. Someone will always be more charismatic. But they will never be you – with your exact ideas, knowledge, skills and gifts. One of the greatest challenges in life is being yourself in a world that’s trying to make you like everyone else. Be who God made you to be!
5. Everyone makes mistakes. If you can’t forgive others, don’t expect others to forgive you. To forgive is to set a prisoner free, and you will discover that the prisoner was you.
6. Raising teenagers is like nailing Jell-O to a tree! (Really, someone should have provided me with a manual!)
7. I have no idea what is going to happen, and that is perfectly okay. God is in control. He is the potter, and we are the clay. Once we believe and accept that we are not in control, a huge burden is lifted off our shoulders.
8. There is always a lot to be thankful for, if you take the time to look. Take the time to thank God every single day for all of the blessings that we have received.
9. Never place a period where God has placed a comma. This quote was made famous many years ago by Gracie Allen, but I have witnessed this in several people this past year. God put each one of us on this earth to accomplish a certain number of things. We are not done until God says we’re done.
10. When praying, don’t give God instructions – just report for duty! Petition is certainly a part of prayer, but it is far more important that we listen when we pray. Start off you day by asking God, “What do you want me to do today?” Then, just listen. I guarantee, you will get a response.
In 2012, we need to make a resolution to try to become more aware of the presence of God in our lives – and that will happen through prayer. And in this reflective silence of prayer, when we truly listen, it is then that we will see the light of a new tomorrow and how God will change our world forever.
