I’m not much for New Year’s Resolutions. To me, they are thinly veiled goals, which the average person isn’t good at setting and keeping anyway. I’m not a big goal setter, so it only makes sense that I wouldn’t be a resolution setter.

I read yesterday where John Stickley, in writing about the same topic, quoted the Apostle Paul who said,

For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.

That’s quite a resolution. But for the not-yet follower of Christ this type of resolution probably carries little weight. Even for the follower of Christ it needs to be unpacked a little.

I thought I would take a shot at unpacking it by talking about affection. Typically, our affections are stirred toward someone or something. It’s a general fondness or liking of someone (something). And when we have an affection towards someone (something) we are usually influenced by that person (thing). I’ve started thinking about what stirs my affections for Christ. This is not new, others have written about it before, but it’s a new way of thinking for me. So, what are those things in my life that stir my affections for Christ…those things that put my focus where it should be and result in a natural worship of God and an increased involvement in His mission. Here’s a short list of things that stir my affection for Christ. It’s not exhaustive, will probably change, and is no particular order:

• spending time with Julie
• the laughter of my children
• the book of Romans (the Apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Rome)
• anything by John Piper (sermons, books, podcasts)
• a good conversation with close friends
• most songs by U2

My encouragement to you in this new year…find those things that stir your affections for Christ and focus on them. Don’t resolve to be a “good” person or a “better” person. One, what is a “good” person anyway, and two, you won’t succeed. Instead, allow your affections for Christ to be stirred and you will be better for it.

Cheers.

Living in Great Britain for 2.5 years, I have inevitably learned quite a lot from the Brits. I have embraced these things, especially in the area of hospitality, and now they have become a part of me. When I see you next, across the pond, you may just see a few of these in action.

1. Brits take their shoes off (most of the time) when they arrive to a carpeted house. This prevents all of the gunk and goo they obtain on their shoes from the dirty footpaths(sidewalk) from getting onto their carpet where their little dear little baby then rolls around. Or, in my case, where their 3 year old crawls around pretending to be a smilodon.
2. Brits bring a hostess gift when they are invited to dinner at someone’s home. They preferably bring wine, chocolates, or flowers to which their hostess always feels appreciated. And the grocery stores have wonderful flowers (my favourite-lilies) that they then mark down on a regular basis for quick sale. 
3. Brits wear whatever they feel like wearing and don’t give a hoot who is looking. I’ve finally found a place where I can wear my tartan skirt over my jeans with my Diesel motorcycle boots and not get any stares. They rarely wear caps and never wear those velour jogging suits (except sometimes in my part of town).
4. Close friend Brits kiss you on the cheek. Feeling awkward upon moving here I now really like this practice. In fact, now I do the Brit kiss and then the American hug. Watch out, I might do it to you!
5. Brits wait patiently in line (queue). I’m just so impressed by this and marvel every time how politely they wait and do not cut in. I no longer have to be on the lookout to confront the cutters. My friend told me there once was a law against breaking in. Brilliant.
6. Brits always invite you in. In America I was used to talking to my neighbors in my doorway especially when I was busy. But I found out rather quickly that you should invite someone in when they come to your door (if you know them of course). And you should really offer them something to drink.
7. Brits use cool words. I like that they say “trousers” for “pants” and “dressing gown” for “robe” and “waistcoat” for “vest” and “vest” for “tank top (or wife beater)”. I try to use their words often in my own Texas accent. And it is ok to laugh when you hear me.
8. Brits have a witty sense of humour. I have rarely met a person that doesn’t know how to have a good laugh. And I admittedly have to ask them what they mean sometimes. I am convinced that they have developed their humour as a way of coping with the dreadful lack of sunshine and massive amount of rain. So be prepared for me to take the “mick outta you”. (give you a hard time)
9. Brits always take time for tea. I’m not a major fan of tea all day long on an empty stomach, but I love the practice of taking a break. I went to work in the grassed area at Harper’s school one day in the afternoon, and only an hour after I was there, they were wondering if I’d like a cuppa (tea that is). In my art class we always took a tea break and had a chat. Isn’t that lovely?