Getting A Head Start on 2012: Polish your Attitude

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will”

Romans 12: 2

New Year’s resolutions are fine, but the last month of the year sometimes needs resolutions of its own. We all know how stressful the holidays can be. How sad that the celebration of Jesus’ birthday should be filled with frustration and poor attitudes.

Let’s polish our attitudes this December. Join me in asking God to help me have a loving spirit for Christmas. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus” Philippians 2:3-5.

I need this devotional as much as anyone. Our children are grown. My husband and I live a quiet life except for a “Barky Yorkie.” We are busy, but it is easy to organize my life without the responsibilities of children. For a few days in December that quiet life is invaded by the family I love and many added responsibilities.

In December there is extra cooking, cleaning, meal planning, gift buying, widows to attend to, and celebrations to join. Charities pull at my pocket book. Decisions weigh on my shoulders.  My fuse gets short when I am under pressure. The worst in me creeps up like an unwanted weed in my flower bed. Oh my! I don’t want to be this way.

How can I polish my attitude so that I have a sweet spirit this month? I think recognizing that there is a problem is a start. I was a Girl Scout. Their motto is “Be prepared.” I am going to be prepared by understanding  that there will be stress and practice taking a deep breath and “chilling.”

Polishing my prayer life will bring a peace that calms me during the most stressful times. Will one prayer a day do the job? I don’t think so. An attitude of prayer throughout the day will keep my priorities in the right perspective.

I can think of an added benefit of polishing my attitude for the holidays. January won’t bring the guilt of lost tempers, hurt feelings, and broken relationships. I can start the New Year knowing that I got a head start in the “good attitude” department.

Dear Father, Please help me have a Christ-like attitude as I celebrate the birth of Your Son. Be with my readers as they polish their attitudes in readiness for the New Year.

Janice Yandell