The end of another year–it can be intimidating or easily rushed through to get to midnight.  Why is it so intimidating?

Three words. New Year’s Resolutions. Or maybe we should call them New Year’s “Solutions.” Isn’t it funny that the word “resolution” is “re-solution,” as if our solutions need doing again? No wonder they intimidate me.

I encourage you to reflect these next few days, to look back and pat yourself on the back for all that was accomplished through you this year. Sure, you didn’t get done all that you wanted to get done. Who does?  Before you tell yourself all the things you want to improve and change in 2015, please ponder on the many good, no, GREAT things about yourself. Can you remember all the great things that wouldn’t have gotten done if not for you?

Remember that you influence the world around you.

Enter Eddie.

Eddie is the parking lot attendant at a local medical office building. His “office” is a tiny booth, perhaps five feet long by three feet wide. Eddie is one of the most positive, enthusiastic  servant leaders I have ever met.

Eddie loves his job. How could a parking lot attendant love his job? I intentionally observed him in action. He waves at everyone. He smiles. He calmly answers questions asked by nervous patients and eases their spirits. He ensures parking spaces are available to accommodate those who need them.

Whenever Eddie spots my car, he comes out of his little booth, waves frantically and blows kisses. He makes my day.

Guess what Eddie had one day? Bird feeders in the little tree across from Eddie’s booth. Eddie purchased hanging bird feeders and bird food to make the birds happy AND improve his environment even more!

Eddie is happily married and brags on his wife and marriage every chance he gets, so his gestures and affection are totally innocent. He exudes the love of Christ.

Eddie inspires my heart and challenges me to be better. Instead of just making resolutions and thinking about changing yourself, your work, your home–change your attitude about your work, your home, your environment. Add “bird feeders” near your booth.  Make the walls of your work inspire you; make them “talk.”

Smile. Wave. Blow kisses. Be the calming force to people around you. Make someone’s day. Be like Eddie.

As you reflect on this year and prepare to write your New Year’s Solutions and Re-Solutions, think of Eddie. Now our New Year’s Resolutions won’t intimidate us anymore.

PS. Today is also a great day create your own mission statement. Simply print out my “Creating Your Personal Mission Statement Template,” which is free, by just adding your email address and subscribing to my weekly blog.

Reflect:

–As we excitedly and expectantly welcome the blank pages of a new year, what are three highlights of yours this past year? Please comment.

–How will you be more like Eddie ?

Renew:

-“I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw.” –Proverbs 24: 32

-“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” –Proverbs 27:17

-“As water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man.” –Proverbs 27:19

-“Then the Lord replied: ‘Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.’” –Habakkuk 2:2,3

Recharge:

–What is your personal mission statement? Please let me know.

–What are three ways you can improve your work, your home, your “booth?” Please comment below.