The New Year is a really really big deal here, much more than I expected. Christians go to church on New Year's Day, people set big resolutions, and "Happy New Year" has totally replaced the standard Nigerian greetings. Now I understand why people were so shocked that I left America on the first day of the year!
My 8th graders asked me about my New Year's Resolutions. (I think they were just trying to delay starting class, sneaky little things.) Their query gave me pause because I rarely set New Year's Resolutions; I generally shy away from imminent failure. Now that I've had a few hours to think it over, I've come up with a few small resolutions (lowercase r because I'm still hesitant to declare it with as much finality).
1. Stop using cliches. I've noticed that my blog post are disgustingly and shockingly overrun with the most trite phrases in my vocabulary. If I want to be serious about my writing and be taken seriously, I need to learn how to state things in an original way!
2. Practice more self-control in the classroom. I'm sure this will shock you, but one can lose one's
3. Figure out my passion in life. I feel like, at 22, there is no overarching or uniting theme to my life. I feel very much like an anthology of loosely connected snippets and scraps; the only connective tissue is the grace of God. My life is full of people who know their life passion, and I want the same direction. Being blindly obedient has brought me many blessings, but this whole "I have no idea where I'm going be in 9 months" thing is more than a little frustrating. That being said, I will continue to follow God wherever he leads me, regardless of whether or not I know where we're going. It worked for Abraham...
Little things: It's hot here. KLM lost my bags; I don't have deodorant or a hairbrush. Our whole house is a hot dusty mess from Harmattan.
Big things: God is still faithful. I'm where I need to be. Amen and amen.
I'm so glad that you've jumped back into the swing of things, apparently without too much trouble! It is FREEEEZING here, so be thankful for your hot weather. I think it's like -10. I'm praying that your bags arrive soon! (And baking soda works as deodorant if you've got any!).
ReplyDeleteI like your resolutions, my dear. I'm thinking I need to document some more of my own. I'm with you on the "figuring out my passion in life" thing. But I think it really is a daily discovery. Maybe it's better to just focus on living passionately for God each day, and He can figure out how to weave those days together. :) Although a vision and calling can't be a bad thing either...
Kisses from J... he loves his Auntie Mami! And hugs from me... I love you more! :)