happy new year!

Today is the first day of 2010. The boys and I spent the morning taking down Christmas decorations, and Aaron ended up working. I think we usually take them down together, but I was on a mission, and once I get an idea in my head it's really hard to change my mind. Despite the fact that at different times during this morning it looked like a Christmas bomb had gone off, we got the job done!
I have been thinking about last year ending and this new year beginning and all that that usually entails with resolutions and goals. I realized that as the year draws to a close, I find myself sort of slacking off on different things, knowing that when the new year begins, it's like you can start over. Sort of like the few weeks before January 1st don't really count because you are going to be super disciplined after January 1st. This is a pretty ridiculous way of thinking; it is a fantasy world where food has no calories, apathy and laziness are good for you, and your body miraculously stays in shape despite the fact that you are not exercising!
I also thought how with the Lord, every day can be like January 1st. His mercies are new every morning, you can start over with Him every day. You don't run out of chances with Him. This should never be an excuse to do whatever you want and ask for forgiveness in the morning, but what a comfort it is to know He doesn't grow weary or give up on us.
I think my resolution or goal for this year, is to love Him better. If I can do that, I will achieve other goals, but it will be in His strength and not my own. Because if I have learned anything, and I really haven't learned it yet, it is that on my own I stink. Trying to operate out of myself is empty, frustrating, and futile. I need Him for everything, and if I can love Him better than His love is what will enable me to be a better wife, mom, daughter, sister, and friend.
On a completely different note, today I was helping Eli in the bathroom and when he was done he said, "Thanks mom, you are the best mom." I told him thank you and then he said, "And, you are really pretty." I said, "Oh Eli, that is so sweet, thank you!" And then he said sort of under his breath, "I don't want to get in trouble!" What in the world?! I'm not really sure what that says about our relationship, but I decided I am not going to analyze it too much!