The beginning of another year can only mean one thing…it’s time for a new batch New Year’s resolutions (or in some cases it’s time to start the resolutions that died off last January. With this being posted on January 12, maybe it’s already time to restart this year’s resolutions). Whenever I think about resolutions for the year I tend to think about personal Bible reading, fitness, learning a new skill, etc., and while all of these are great things I began to realize that I wasn’t thinking about the resolutions for my family. I’m sure there are many of you that do a great job of this each year (and I would love your suggestions!), but as a parent of a young family, family resolutions had never really crossed my mind. As I began to brainstorm I came up with a three goals for my family in 2017:

1.) DELIGHT IN GOD’S WORD

Wow. I read this verse and began to think about it from the perspective of my family. Each night we read with our kids a passage of scripture and discuss it, but I began to question if I am showing my kids how to delight in God’s Word. Do they see me taking joy from reading scripture? I want my kids to experience the same sweetness that the psalmist finds in God’s Word.

2.) GIVING AS A FAMILY

We are blessed, so we should bless others. Seems like a simple concept. That is, until we have that purchase to make or it takes away our free time. In 2017, I want my family to joyfully give of our time, talents, and money. Our kids will only do the same if they see the example that we set. Let’s stop talking about it and do it!

3.) PRESENCE

At this time of year we hear a lot about presents because I think we all love to give and receive those presents. However, in 2017 I don’t want to just give presents, I want to be present. I want my family to know that I am interested and engaged with what they are doing. Let’s put our phones down, turn off the TV, sign out of Facebook, and spend quality family time, engaging with one another out of love.

What family resolutions do you have this year? I’m eager to learn, so please share in the comments below.

Happy New Year!