I've been thinking alot this week, about what "better living" is really going to be all about for me, because in a all honesty, I already live pretty well. That is to say, I'm reasonably balanced. Each and every week I stay connected with a large family, I give to the community through volunteering, I use my spiritual gifts in a church body, I read, stay connected to world issues, balance a number of close friendships and find time for fun, exercise, household work and a variety of hobbies. Yet despite this, despite the fact that I have managed my life reasonably well, I don't really seem to make much of an impact on people, except in my closest circle of life. If I don't manage to leave this planet, leaving the fragrance of Christ in my wake, being a conduit of the life giving light that Christ has bestowed on me, than I haven't lived up to my purpose which I was created for. Glorify Christ with my life, in whatever I do. With that goal in mind, I want to make improvements in my life, tackle problems that entangle me, use my time more productively, continually improve my mind and talents and hopefully in the process, don't become totally self centered. Ahhh, life can be so complicated.
So with all that introspection aside, what have I done better this week? Well, I added more beauty through music, and turned off the TV more. I moved and exercised more and in the process kept my little household tasks more up to date. I treated my husband to a new recipe. I walked with my husband holding hands in the dark snowy streets of my neighborhood, I played the piano while my mother sang, I gave my father a pedicure, I started a new book on theology, and was able to give a scarf and gloves to a person I came upon who had none. That was just in the little moments in my life between the regular responsibilities. And I found I really like trying to live better every day. Of course, I know, I know, It's day 4 of a new year. May God have mercy on me and help me to continue.