The feast of the Epiphany is one of the most special days in our family. The coming of the “three kings” also meant a coming of something very important in our lives. We celebrate this day not only as the end of the Christmas season but as a day of blessing, a day of grace and a day that love showered us again.
So, for me, this is actually my own start of 2012. My own new year. And with that, I was inspired to write this. Read on..
2012 is a controversial year. News of end-of-the-world has been circulating around the globe. A movie was even made for it. But then, I find 2012 another year of grace, another year to make things new, to make life new for myself and for the people around me. As well as that 2012 may also be a year of changing, forgiving and having bigger faith.
I was inspired by the article of Fr. James Martin SJ (oh you should have known how I wanted to date this guy and just listen to him talk) entitled 12 Stupid Things Not-to-do this 2012 that I decided to make my own list. So here you go.. The things Not-to-Do…
- Judge. Honestly, I fail in the “no-judging” category of life. So, this new year will be a year of looking deeply into one person’s intentions, perspective and point of views. I need to be more understanding with the people I am with.
- Compare. Doing this just leads me to despair and to my number one in this list. As I continue to compare myself to other people, I am just seeing myself more of not as how God created me. I need to learn how to appreciate my own skills and talents and use it to the fullest for God’s perfection to grow and show in me.
- Be Impatient. This is one of my biggest battles. I am so impatient. I always thought that being patient is a gift to just a few people and I am not one of those who get to have that gift. I have accepted that. But now, once again, it’s time to learn to be patient. To wait for the right moment and the right time.
- Be an “Emo.” Not to be overly dramatic and all. I should learn how to control my emotions at all times. Situations in life could happen and I will give myself a 5-minute silence period before reacting to any situation.
- Fail to Love. Every moment is a reason for us to give love. So I should not fail to recognize each moment of grace.
- Miss Prayertime. I’m guilty. Every time that I am tired, I get to miss my moments of prayer and just assures myself that my life or what I did is my prayer. Moments of silence and times where we dedicate ourselves to the Lord are the moments also that He can use to speak to us. The times where He could direct our lives in the way He wanted to.
- Complain. Haha, I love to do this. I love to complain a lot. No other explanations, 2012 will be a better year if I won’t complain. Oh, I needed help here.
- Miss Sunday Masses and Holy Days of Obligation. Again, no explanation needed.
- Be Difficult. People are not perfect. I am not perfect, but I should try to be an “easier” person rather be a “somebody.”
- Be an Ass. Give others a break. They have their own lives too. People have different struggles too (just like mine). So rather than being an ass and being selfish, I will be more understanding and loving.
Whew! Trust me, this list is one of the hardest to write. Write your own not-to-do list too and am sure 2012 will be a better year for all of us.
Happy Three Kings! Happy New Year!