Manifesto

I've never been a supporter of New Year's Resolutions. For no good reason, really; I'm just too much of a competitor against myself, that having a physical list of goals and desires for a year, that slip of paper seems to taunt me, setting me up for failure by default. 

Funny how a while back ago, I got this idea from The Art of Manliness. (Which may weird some people out considering I'm not a man. But that's okay; Weird and I are life-long chums.) I took it to heart, and my manifesto is something I do my best to live by. I fail, but I try. And honestly, life is not even about success. Life is about the trying. I will hold myself to a standard of grace, not perfection. I'm thinking of printing it out and tacking it above my dresser so I can see it every day because it's easy to forget. Anyways, this is who I desire to be and develop into as this new year unfolds.

Personal Manifesto:

I will put other above myself, knowing that greatness is found in service.

I will not refuse myself to be broken, whether it be under the conviction of my sin, or by the heaviness of pain and suffering found in the world. I will no longer keep my eyes closed.

I will not view myself as entitled to any good thing, but remember that each day is more than I deserve.

I will not speak ill of anyone out of senseless annoyance.

I will be kind rather than clever.

I will intentionally see the beauty all around me and I will praise its Creator.

I will use the talents God has given me to bless others and bring Him glory; I will not allow them to gather dust due to fear or apathy.

I will not make decisions designed to put myself in the spotlight.

I will surround myself with depth and wisdom in thought, through literature, museums, drama, music, films, and friends. I will not be trivialized by this culture.

I will not be deceived by the ideals of the world. I will not look for happiness in money, fame, men, opportunities to do what I love, or any of the desires of my heart of flesh. I will seek and do the will of God and remember that real happiness can only be found in the center thereof.

I will do all through the strength of Christ, knowing that I am too weak to win my battles alone, but that He has already won the war.

Photo courtesy: Of All Loveliness