Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Message from Keith de Laet, High School Teacher

I’m not really much of a New Year’s Resolution guy. To be perfectly honest with you, I don’t get too excited about flipping the calendar over from December to January. It doesn’t really seem to be much different from any other calendar flip at the end of any other month, unless of course you haven’t purchased a new calendar. Then you have to use that little square at the top that holds January in miniature. Having said that, I do use the start of a new year as an opportunity to re-evaluate my commitments. What have I said “yes” or “no” to that proved to be correct, and where have I said “yes” or “no” out of guilt, or manipulation, or some other such reason.

I have done this ever since I read Boundaries by Townsend & Cloud. In their book, they point out that “This concept of boundaries comes from the very nature of God. God defines himself as a distinct being separate from his creation and from us. He has boundaries within the Trinity. The Father, the Son, and the Spirit are one, but at the same time they are distinct persons with their own boundaries.”

I really like this idea because it not only allows me, but also forces me, to prioritize my time according to my responsibilities and callings as a Christian, a husband, a father, an employee, and a volunteer. I can reaffirm my commitments to those things God has called me to do, and receive release from the things he has not called me to do, but I took on anyway. The amazing thing about the whole process is that I usually feel more connected to the things that God has indeed called me to do, one the other clutter has been removed. It’s a simple thing really, and the start of a new year seems to be the perfect time.

1 comment:

  1. Keith,

    Great thoughts. Thanks for sharing them with us.

    Jim

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