To be more accountable to keep my resolutions, I’m publicizing my first three.
1. To use digital media to build a relationship with my children until the day comes for me to be with them again.
Separated dads everywhere should do this. I didn’t choose to be far away from my children, but it’s a father’s duty to fight for the hearts of his kids.
Technology (like Skype) allows for long-distance relationships in ways that have never existed before in history. So until the day comes when I can see them regularly on a face-to-face basis (and I’m praying that day will come quickly,) I’m resolved to use technology to be a part of their lives.
2. To be a source of good/positivity/optimism on earth.
I resolve to be a source of good for all people who associate with me: For my children, friends and family members, for Quintessential Sweetheart (my Facebook friends are familiar with her,) for my business associates, and for strangers.
For my children, this means loving them wholeheartedly and never giving up on being their dad, no matter how many miles exist between us.
For those I associate with in business, this means serving their needs to my fullest ability, while never taking criticism personally. It also means being a continual source of optimism in the face of challenges and discouragements, and never contributing to hurtful gossip.
For strangers, it simply means never turning someone away who needs help. (Although I’ve taken heat for it, I’m the type of person who gives food to homeless people when they ask me for help on the side of a road.)
Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
Romans 12:13-18
3. To make every day memorable from my deathbed.
I don’t know how I’m going to achieve this resolution yet. All I know is that I hate routine: living each day so similarly to the one before it that you can no longer distinguish separate 24-hour periods within any given month.
When it’s time for me to pass away, I pray I’ll be spending my last days days reflecting with a smile and with laughter. My goal is to be satisfied when I look back. Satisfied that I have squeezed each day like a ripe orange full of fresh juice. That – rather than spending my days on a couch watching football – I have spent my days teaching my children about life, living abundantly with my loved ones, experiencing new things every day and doing all things in my power to be a positive influence on earth.
