Out With the Old, In With the New

Dec 28, 2019 filed under Humility, Mercy.

In the days between Christmas and New Year’s, no one expects us to produce anything. I call it the “Golden Week” because it’s a time of fewer outside demands when I can re-think priorities, throw stuff out, rearrange storage space, and face that pile of paper that’s been looking at me accusingly since September.

Paper files
This morning I tackled folders in my file cabinet. I won’t say it’s been a while, but I found some emails I had printed out in 2004 and an instruction manual from three laptops ago.

I love getting rid of things—when I get around to it. Clearing the decks frees up my mind to receive new inspiration. Pitching things that aren’t useful anymore makes life seem less complicated.

Mental files
This is also a good time to think what resentments we’ve packed away in our mental files—because they were never useful.

Is there someone we’ve been wishing for years would change? Who makes snide remarks, always has to be right, or interrupts while we’re speaking? One psychologist challenges us to ask ourselves, “How many more years will I need to conclude that’s just what she does?”

Oh.

So maybe I could decide now to accept it, stop taking it personally, and start appreciating her for who she is. It could be refreshing—like throwing out ancient emails with their outdated messages.

Intentional forgiveness
My biggest New Year’s resolution is to be more intentional about my priorities, plans, and how I spend my time. That includes the time I spend wishing other people would change. With God’s help, my new habit will be to look for what God loves about a person and love them for who they are, not wait until they decide to fit my preferences.

My friend Terry prays, “Bless them, change me.” A quick prayer for someone we wish would change will set our soul going in the right direction to make the most of this beautiful New Year.

Love always,
Rose

8 Responses to “Out With the Old, In With the New”

  1. J

    Rose, Thank you for this beautiful wisdom. Rose God Bless your New Year. 2020 is almost here. Amen……. Love…………

  2. Rose Folsom

    ARRIVED VIA EMAIL:

    Merry Christmas Rose!
    I try to always maintain an attitude of gratitude, for even in times of strife there are blessings.

    Especially at this time of year, cherished memories flow and the opportunity to create new ones abound. The world, in the midst of it’s chaos seems more loving.

    I pray that peace on earth will reign, and most importantly, those who are sick and suffering will find comfort in the arms of our Savior.

    May this New Year bring you abundant blessings!
    Donna

  3. Tom Roberts

    “ . . resentments we’ve packed away in our mental files— because they were never useful.” How true! The very word “resentment” means we’re handling the feeling more than once. The writer of a story entitled Freedom From Bondage in the book “Alcoholics Anonymous” states if you have a resentment against someone you should pray for that person; pray for their health, prosperity and happiness. Do it every day and you will find yourself free.

  4. Rose Folsom

    VIA EMAIL:
    Thank you for your messages Rose. I always appreciate them even if I don’t email you back. Wishing you every blessing for the new year.
    Fiona.

  5. Fae

    Great column, Rose! Thanks to you and all of you who contribute. A “golden week,” indeed! Time for letting go and affirming the intentions and priorities that lead us closer to Christ.