What
do I love about this season? The feeling of God’s love and presence, the
colours, shopping, the family togetherness, the laid back air and just the
feeling of anticipation and hope that comes with the end of a year and the
beginning of another. We think of all we didn’t achieve and wait with hearts
thickly laced with hope that our lives will take a better turn in the New Year.
What
I don’t love about this season? Making resolutions I can’t keep – Arrrrgggggghh…!
I promise to save more; I will stop drinking; I will settle down with one
girlfriend; I will quit being such a shrew; I will call my parents more; I will
dedicate more time to God. With fervent hearts, we cross our fingers and pray
to stay true to the promises we make this season but alas, most of us fail at
this task.
Sometime
last year, I remember watching Kid Rock’s performance at the CNN Heroes Award
and a line in his song caught my attention and made me think – this is the
perfect resolution because it’s easy to stay true to it - ‘The least I can do
is care.’ So, from now to the end of the year and beyond, join me in resolving
that!
‘The
least I can do is care’ about taking the time to build up my relationship with
God; HE is the only one who loves us unconditionally so why not take the time
to know him better.
‘The
least I can do is care’ about my parents feelings when it comes to keeping in
touch; we’re all busy, I know, but it’s a priceless thing to hear the smile in
their voice when we call regularly to say hi.
‘The
least I can do is care’ about my friends and what is happening in their lives;
we may be close, far apart, arguing or just too busy to hang out much, but when
there is need to support them, we will do just that because “Good friends are
priceless and forever.”
‘The
least I can do is care’ about the less fortunate around me. I’m going to
splurge less on myself so that I can spend more on those that really need help
– I mean, come on guys, do we really need that trendy jacket in four different
colours, or must we wear the snake skin Christian Louboutin pumps that cost a
fortune when we can manage with the patent leather in the same style – it’s less
expensive and the extra cash can be channelled to someone less fortunate.
Moreover, a little help always goes a long way, especially in the eyes of God.
I mean, we all want to score some good points with our maker, don’t we? Remember ...“Whatever
you do to the least of my brothers, that you do unto me.”
‘The
least I can do is care’ about my environment. We will not throw trash out the
window, we will make sure our environment is clean, we will recycle
(eehmm…don’t ask me how to do so in Naija) and we will plant some flowers and
beautify our surroundings.
‘The
least I can do is care’ about my colleague who still lives in the eighties with
her garish make-up, bushy eyebrows and too tight clothes; we will stop
sniggering behind her back, take her aside unobtrusively, show her the scary
error of her ways and the better way to work it. And I honestly mean this – no
more sniggering!
‘The
least I can do is care’ about a distant relative who needs my help with
clothes, food or small change; we may not be close but if we can afford to help
out sometimes, we will.
‘The
least I can do is care’ about my good name and delete it from debtor lists
around town; if you can’t afford it, look the other way – you must not have
everything.
‘The
least I can do is care’ about the way I treat those around me; kind words,
earned praise and a show of concern costs nothing so why not donate them
generously to those around.
‘The
least I can do is care’ about my job, my business and any other venture that
provides income for me; we will commit to putting in 100% to whatever we do so
that we can reap just as much. We will be successful because we will work hard
and smart to be.
‘The
least I can do is care’ about my mind and body; we will read more, eat better,
drive carefully and take proper care of ourselves. We intend to be healthy and
safe so that our family and friends will enjoy us for a long time.
‘The
least I can do is care’ about discovering new things and enjoying life; we will
be open minded and surprise ourselves so that life can surprise us. We will
dance more, laugh more, sing more and just be more. Hopefully, our lives will
be fuller and richer for it.
‘The
least I can do is care’ about everything and anything around me; I know if I
cared and you cared, even a little bit, we will be a world of carers and
everyone will be happier for it. In the end, isn’t happiness what we are all
seeking in our own ways?
So,
will you join me in making the easier resolution that the least you can do is
care? If not, what is your resolution for 2013?
Happy
New Year, everyone!
4 comments:
if every body can adopt this then the world will really be a better place to live in....
Makes too much sense. It is the best suggestion for a resolution I've heard so far. Instead of making big plans like most of us do, we just decide to resolve to care more about our words, thoughts and actions.I will make this resolution to care more
Loving this article. Just the right words we all need to have in our hearts as we transition into 2013.Wishing everyone a splendid New year ahead
I have read this piece many times and suspect that this is not my last read. It hits the right spots with me. Happy new year
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