This is the last day to make our New Year’s resolutions. May as well forget the traditional weight-loss one, since we fail before February anyway. We could resolve to quit smoking or swearing, be more organized or thrifty…. Then, again, we could step out from our own little world into the larger one. We can make this the year to help protect and nurture a child. Yes, we can send money to support a child on another continent, but why not make it more personal? One way is to volunteer at a local hospital as a person who cuddles at-risk infants, giving them the warm contact that will save their lives. Another is to become a Foster Grandparent, Big Brother/Sister, or Child Advocate. Also, we must do something when we see that timid first-grader being bullied by other kids. Closer to home, we can spend more time with our own children or grandchildren, playing games, taking walks, and providing times for talk to happen. Focusing on children is a resolution that makes a brighter year for everybody.
Happy New Year. May 2015 be a year of peace in the world and in your lives!