Hope to see you soon, Happy New Year.

We were invited to spend part of our Christmas holiday in Hawaii at the home of my sister-in-law.  It worked out perfectly to share companion fares so the four of us flew to the Big Island on Christmas night.

One evening, our post Christmas dinner conversation turned to, "Are you making New Year's resolutions?"  Without a lot of emotion, a list emerged that seemed all too common: better diet, more exercise, reading instead of TV, exercising while watching TV!  My 24 year old Connor said, "That's why I don't make resolutions, there really isn't a commitment to them."  I mentioned, "I want to keep my list really short this year so I do commit to it."  Doreen asked, "Well, what is that really important thing you want to do this year?"  "I'm still thinking about it," I replied.

Two days after that conversation, we are walking on the rim of Kilaeua, one of the most active volcanoes on the planet.  It is a mysterious, bleak, but beautiful place.  We began our hike when there were few people walking over the lava fields so the entire experience felt sacred,  In the most quiet times of the hike, my mind drifted back to my New Year's resolution comment-"I'm still thinking about it."  Nothing yet.

As we moved into the lush volcanic hillside, my phone pinged.  After the initial reaction, "How do I get reception here?", I took a peek to see my message.  It was from a long-time friend who has had two recent bouts with cancer. I realized that I had been thinking about Cam for the last six months but I hadn't called him. His text was simple, "Hope to see you soon, Happy New Year."

I decided right then that my resolution list should be long. But, instead of thinking about what is really important to do, I decided to think about who is really important. My resolution is to "think about" people every morning that I can pray for and start my day that way.  I can pray whether I am eating healthy, or not, exercising or watching TV.  My prayer can be a mantra of thanksgiving for individuals or it can be a prayer of petition for their well-being.  I will tell Connor I can commit to this resolution because prayer is as easy as remembering all of the people in my life who I wish I could see soon.

C.S. Lewis wrote this about prayer: "Lay before Him what is in us not what ought to be in us."  

Be assured of my prayers for your families in this new year.