A festive ritual surrounding the start of the New Year is the solemn act of making, soon to be broken, New Year’s Resolutions. With good intentions people will dig deep within themselves to determine what resolution can be made that will better their life or bring more enjoyment and even better health.  Many have been the well worn abacus and hand held calculator used to count the resolutions made and subsequent calculations of the percentage that were seen through achievement or attainment.

How many years have we stated or listed the same resolution over and over again. I long ago decided the practice could be abandoned by me.  I couldn’t keep them anyhow so why fret over them for a couple of days.  The restlessness, lost sleep and short temper caused by the impending failure to comply offset, many times over, any benefit I would have reaped if I had had the fortitude to endure the trials that were self imposed by the resolutions.

But, alas I regress. This year I will stoutly proclaim some New Year resolutions.  I resolve to attempt to cause less turmoil in my home and better understand all the craziness associated by the two teenagers with whom I share my home.  I resolve to show greater compassion and patience with others that are not educated enough to clearly see things my way.  I resolve to eat less, especially on festive occasions such as holidays, birthdays and other special events.  I resolve to forgive, forget and never hold a grudge against anyone for anything they may do that I don’t agree with, no matter how stupid it may be.

On a more solemn note there is one resolution I vow to make and uphold. I resolve to begin each and every day with a prayer of thanks for all the blessings God has granted me.  I enjoy relatively good health.  I have a caring, loving family.  Most of all I want to thank God for my wife and giving me the realization that no matter how we may disagree at times, I am still blessed to have her.  And on compassion, let’s not forget the greatest thanks of all: Somewhere out there, there is a Mr. Pelosi, and thank God it’s not me.  Bless his heart.

I hope you and everyone you care about, love, or just casually know have a great New Year and remember to eat black eyed peas to ensure great success in 2017.

The thoughts and ideas expressed above are exclusively those of Jack Straley. We may agree, and that’s fine, or we may disagree, that’s okay too.  My sole purpose is to encourage others to think, study, and become involved. Exercise your freedom and above all, when presented the opportunity, please vote.