Top 5 New Year's Re-soul-utions

14 Feb 2010

A lot of people ‘pooh-pooh’ the idea of New Year's resolutions, but the beginning of a year offers a special chance to reflect and plan for new habits. Sadly, often the faith side of New Year's resolutions are the first to get lost in the hustle of life. Here are 5 New Year's resolutions for the soul that might make the challenge less ambiguous and more tangible.

1. Unplug
Nowadays, many of our lives are dominated by technology and the internet, meaning our whole world can easily become a virtual one. Why not commit to putting aside definite times in your week when you unplug from technology completely and make an effort to be fully present to God and the people in your life? How about a computer-free Sunday? Those emails really can wait till Monday.

2. Go on a retreat
It's easy to get the idea that retreats are only for the holy elite or people with too much spare time on their hands. However, putting aside the time to remove yourself from the normal hustle to refresh, retool, renew and unwind in the presence of God is something all Christians should try to do. It's as simple as grabbing a Bible and going bush for the day, or for something longer you could call Sister Eveleen Retreat House in Sumner.

3. Daily Prayer with the Prayer Book
For some of us the Book of Common Prayer is something we cherish. For others it's that strange red book that gets dusted off whenever the Bishop comes to visit. But the Anglican prayer book is a great way to get into the regular daily habit of personal prayer and reflection. Why not dedicate yourself to morning prayer over breakfast, or evening prayer in bed at night? Any clergy person will be more than happy to show you how to use it, and they may even "loan" you a copy to take home.

4. Try fasting
Fasting is one of those awkward parts of the Bible that most of us tend to skim over. However, fasting (in whatever form) is a useful way of forcing ourselves to be aware of our everyday luxuries, while helping to focus our real dependence on God. Chocolate, coffee, wine, TV, computer games, rugby, Facebook... we all have our vices. Fasting from them for a week or two while spending that time reconnecting with God may be the detox program we could all benefit from.

5. Mentor someone... or be mentored
Mentoring is the perfect way for people from different age groups and backgrounds to guide and grow together in Christ – and at our last Synod we made a commitment to mentoring our young people. Why not make 2010 the year you put your hand up to mentor or be mentored? A fantastic guide to mentoring has been produced by Youth Advisor Phil Trotter, so ask for a copy from your church and jump on in.