Maureen breezed into the room, thrilled to see her friends again after a few weeks off.

“How was everyone’s Christmas?”

            The other women smiled and shared stories of their time with family, vacations, and special gifts received. Maureen basked in the friendship and comfort this group brought. The conversation soon turned to the inevitable topic this time of year.

            “So, what are everyone’s resolutions for 2023?” Linda asked.

            Brenda laughed. “Mine’s the same as it is every year. To get healthy. My blood pressure is high, and the doctor wants to put me on medication, so I’m trying to limit my sodium.”

            Carol chimed in. “Mine is to exercise more. I sit at my desk all day long, so I want to try to walk several times a week.”

            “Exercise is not a problem for me,” Rachel said. “Not with three little ones to chase after all day long. No, for me, I need to cut back on spending. This year, I want to put together a budget and stick to it. That’s always been a problem for me.”

            “That’s a good one,” Linda said. “I’m going to take more time to read. I love reading, but I never seem to find the time.”

            “Oooh, I love reading too,” Maureen said, “but I’m pretty sure I spend enough time doing that.”
            Rachel laughed. “I wish. Nope, the extent of my reading these days consists of books with brightly colored pictures and rhymes.”

            Maureen leaned back against the sofa, her gaze settling on each of her friends in turn. “Sounds like you all have a lot of plans for this year.”

            Linda set her cup of tea on the coffee table. “What about you, Maureen? You haven’t told us your resolution.”
            “I have a question for you first,” Maureen said. “How many of you do this every year?”

            “What? Make resolutions?” Linda asked. “I think we all do.” She glanced around the room, and each of the ladies nodded.

            “How has it worked for you?” Maureen asked.

            Carol laughed. “Morris told me I’m not allowed to buy a gym membership this year. I’ve joined each year for the past several years, but never make it there much past February. It’s a waste of money.”

            “I’ve had a different resolution each year,” Brenda said, “but to be honest, I’ve never done very well with them either. Why do you ask?”

            Maureen took a sip from her mug, then cradled it in her hands. “I’ve found a better way. A way to make lasting changes. Not just resolutions that fade in a few weeks’ time. Remember I told you about the new church we’re going to?”

            Carol nodded. “You said you felt closer to God than you ever have before.”

            Maureen smiled. “It’s true. I never went to church growing up or thought a whole lot about God, but since we lost the baby in the spring, I’ve needed something more. I needed comfort. I needed a reason for why hard things happen. Going to church has helped me. It’s made me a better person, and a better wife. I was inconsolable the first few weeks after the miscarriage, but I’m in a place now where I’m willing to try again.”

            “I’m glad to hear it,” Brenda said, “but I don’t understand what it has to do with resolutions.”

            Maureen nodded. “It’s new to me, too. Do you mind if I share something I learned from my church?”

            Brenda’s brows creased. “Are you turning into some kind of Jesus freak?”

            Dread built in Maureen’s stomach. Brenda had a lot of baggage from her past. It wasn’t easy for her to trust. But that was why she needed Jesus so much. He could free her from all the hurts. “I’m still the same person you’ve known for years, Brenda. But I have found something that is making me a happier, freer person, and I want to share it with you, my dearest friends.”
            Carol leaned over and placed an encouraging hand on Maureen’s arm. “Go ahead. We’re all wondering about this change in you.”

            Maureen swallowed hard. She could do this. “I gave my life to Jesus and asked him to take control of my life. I tried on my own to make changes in my life, but it wasn’t until I truly surrendered my will to God’s that I could see the positive changes in my life. It’s like the Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

            Linda leaned forward. “So you’re saying you’re a new woman?”

            Maureen grinned. “I am. The things that used to stress me out no longer seem like such a big deal. I’m no longer angry about losing the baby. I still grieve what could have been and long to be a mother, but God had his reasons for taking my child to heaven early. Maybe it was so I would learn to come to Him and put Him first. Now, if He does grant my request to be a mother, I will be a much better one.”

            Brenda frowned. “I’ve never been much for religion, but you do seem more joyful and full of light than I’ve ever seen you before. Maybe we should all try out this church you’re going to.”

Dear Lord, on this day as we celebrate a new year, help us to remember that with You, all things are possible. So many of us try to make changes on our own, but if we reach out to You, You’ll help us in Your strength, not our own. You tell us Your yoke is easy and Your burden is light. Thank You for giving us the strength to do whatever You need for us to do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Colossians 3: 1-10

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.