Father Jim Martin, S.J., the gifted spiritual writer, wrote ten resolutions to make at New Year's. I shamelessly and with gratitude borrowed them and adapted them. I usually forget my resolutions within 24 hours after I make them. Jim Martin's resolutions might last a lot longer. I hope so.
Here they are:
1.) Be Kind. That means - be kind. Always. No excuses.
2.) Give everyone the benefit of the doubt. Give people a break.
3.) Honor the absent. Never ever talk against someone behind their back.
4.) Don't be a jerk. There is zero need to be a jerk. Ever.
5.) Connect with someone who is sick or lonely or struggling. This costs us nothing, but makes such a difference.
6.) Get rid of the grudge or the grudges. Someday we'll each meet God face to face. Can you justify never forgiving and prove to God that all Jesus" words about forgiveness make no sense. I doubt it. Do yourself a favor. Get free from grudges. You'll be so much happier.
7.) Don't be sarcastic. People who use sarcasm are just mean. There is nothing to praise in the words of a sarcastic person.
8.) Listen patiently to someone who is long-winded, or boring, or, especially. complaining. Are you fascinating in everything you have to say? I know I'm not. Let's be good to each other.
9.) Help someone who is really needy.
10.) Be kind. Fascinating result: you'll make others happy. You'll be happy. God will be happy with you.
I'm going to try to follow these resolutions. Some of them are frankly annoying, but they really strike a chord. If you agree, join me -perhaps we can be kind together.