A New Resolution

One week into the new year, and I’ve already had to change my New Year’s resolution.  Not a good omen?

Last year my resolution was One Thing at a Time.  I had in mind getting lots of projects accomplished, checking them off my list one at a time.

Instead, I did this:

It was hard work, and it took all year, but I feel pretty good about the finished project.  I feel like I accomplished my goal.  It was just very different from the way I had envisioned!

After 9 months of pregnancy and 3 months of doing nothing but sitting in my chair holding a sweet little newborn, the new year felt exciting for me.  I was ready to get up and take 2012 by storm!

The resolution I decided on was Make a Plan.    I was going to get organized, plan out my schedule, and start getting some things done around here!

That’s just what I did last Sunday.  I made a great plan, including all my carpools, meal plans, shopping trips, etc.

That night, Elijah had a cold.  His little nose was too stuffy to sleep horizontally.  So for the next couple of nights I held him in the recliner while he slept.  During the days I held him in the other rocking chair so I could give orders to the kids coming and going.  I was exhausted and completely pinned down.  Needless to say, I didn’t accomplish any of my carefully laid plans. 

I figured out pretty quickly that my resolution needed to be modified.  Here is my new version:

Prioritize

Prioritizing wisely will still require some serious planning, but it will also require lots and lots of flexibility.  There is never enough time to squeeze in all the things I would like to do.  If I’m not careful, I could run around all day like a chicken with my head cut off, and never get around to the things that are the most important.

At the end of the day,  I want each of my children (and Jeff too!) to feel loved and important.  I want to have really listened to them, so I know how to meet their needs.  I want to make sure I’m teaching them the skills and principles they need live happy successful lives.  I want to take every opportunity to let them see that I love my Savior, and that I’m trying to follow Him.

And somehow, in between teaching moments, I need to squeeze in meals and homework and scouts and piano and sports and… the list goes on indefinitely.

So the challenge for 2012 will be to prioritize.  For several more months, holding a baby will be high up on my list, and I don’t want to forget to enjoy every minute of it.  Cleaning and gardening and painting will still be waiting for me when the most important things are all done.