Planning for the New Year

The New Year is a time for resolutions. We look back at the past year and wonder when, how and where did it go? We might sit down and make some plans for the coming year, and perhaps write down some resolutions. How similar our resolutions are with those we made last New Year! But, we convince ourselves that this coming year we are going to keep them-all of them.

The magazines and church newsletters offer lists of resolutions we should take, such as the one that follows. Try meditating on a few of them. They all make good sense.

The New Year is a time of making plans-for the coming year or for the rest of our lives. We make financial plans such as "Spend less; invest and save more." Many of us consult a financial planner.

We make new plans regarding our work, thinking about ways to improve it or make it more enjoyable. We make plans with our families, perhaps planning trips or our vacations. All of this is very good.

But there is one thing we are missing. We do not plan our spiritual lives. We do not really make many resolutions regarding our relationship with God. Let me ask, "Do you have the church in your plans or resolutions for the New Year?"

As we plan everything in this life which is short and ephemeral, we should also plan for the other life, our eternal life, which will last forever. There are a few specific steps we should take: First, you should search yourself and see where you are spiritually. Here are a few things which can be used as guidelines: If you are searching in your faith, you can use the Creed. Read the Creed and see how much you understand, how much is part of your faith. Regarding your life, use the Ten Commandments -read them to see if you follow them in your life.

Review also the Beatitudes. The Orthodox Study Bible has a very good commentary and notes for the Sermon on the Mount and the Beatitudes on pages 12-14. Ask your parish priest for other books which might be helpful study guides.

To learn more about our Lord, read the Gospels again, starting with the Gospel of St. John. For it is in the Gospels (and not in other peoples' speculations about whom Our Lord might be) that we can best meet the Lord, our Savior and Judge.

Your relationship with God's House is important also. Look back in the year and see how much time you spent glorifying God. Then compare how much time you spent for other activities, which are far less important. Also, check your expenditures and see how important the church is to you financially. After you find out where you are, make an honest appraisal. Are you happy with where you are? Is the church happy with where you stand? Is God happy with your stature?

And then make some spiritual plans, which should include: prayer (private and public), fasting, partaking of the sacraments, and living a Christian life in accordance with Orthodox teachings. God will bless our efforts!