Well, friends, the new year is almost here! I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to get back to my routine and get working on some new goals. I don’t usually set resolutions, but I do have some wishes; there are plenty of things I’d like to see happen this year. And I have a few specific things that I want for my kids this year. So…I thought I’d better write them out here, before this year and these wishes fly by like the rest of their childhoods have.
{Ahem}
Dear kids, this is what I want for you in the new year.
I want you to talk to me.
I know, you’re like, “Mooom, we’ve already talked like 487 times this year. Mission accomplished.” No my dears, I don’t mean just speak to me, but talk to me. If you’ve got something on your mind, I want to hear it: no matter what. I promise you, in this new year, no words will delight me more than “Mom, I want to talk to you about something.”
I want you to try something new.
You’re young and inexperienced—that’s ok, because you’re a kid! Childhood is about figuring out what you like, but you’ll never know unless you try. Don’t be too afraid, or God forbid, too lazy, to step out of your comfort zone. If you don’t like it, you don’t have to stick with it, but please don’t be afraid to try. If you are afraid…see above, and TALK to me about it!
I want you to love others.
Your mean mom made you ride the bus for the first time last year, and I think for the first time you experienced other kids who aren’t always nice to you. You’ve got your first idea that sometimes people can be unkind for no reason. As you get older, it won’t be the kid on the bus, but it might be the lady in the next cubicle or the guy in line in front of you at the grocery store. People can be mean, unpleasant, exhausting, etc. for lots of reasons. But as long as you aren’t in any physical danger, my loves, YOU can always be kind in return. Christ commands us to love others as we love ourselves, and it’s really, really, hard sometimes. But start practicing this year, kiddos, and by the time you are my age, you’ll be a pro.
I want you to appreciate each other.
Oh my word, as the picked-on little sister of two mean older brothers, I KNOW this is a hard one, you guys. I don’t know why it’s so easy for siblings to get so disgusted with each other but it is. I’ve totally been there. BUT, let me tell you now, those two mean older brothers are two of the best friends I’ve ever had. It took us way too long to enjoy and appreciate each other. We wasted too many years fighting and I see you kiddos on the same path. So do me a favor. Take the point above, “Love others” and start at home. Love each other as you love yourselves. Love each other as Christ loves you. And for heaven’s sake, RELAX and enjoy each other more! You guys are all great kids and you’d have so much fun if you just cooooooled out on the sibling stuff a little.
Lastly, sweethearts…
This year I want you to grow in your faith in Christ.
You’re kids, you don’t need to be Greek biblical scholars or anything, but I want you to make an effort to listen a little more closely in church. Ask questions in class and at home about what you hear. Don’t be afraid to ask “why”? when you don’t understand something. My loves, I want your faith to be YOURS, not mine or your dad’s. I want you to believe because you know in your heart that Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. I want you to take some steps toward making your faith your own this year, and I would be privileged to help you with that in any way you need me to.
All right, my babies, that’s it! Your pep talk from mom for this new year! I am so excited to see what this year holds for you, and I am so, so, SO proud to be your mama and to help guide you through it. Love you crazies!
