A better version of me.

The Christmas presents have been exchanged, the tree taken down, and all the decorations stored away for another year. The heartfelt sentiments of joy to the world and peace on Earth, so tangible in the lights, music, and gatherings of loved ones, have already begun to fade.

Now, 2025 has arrived, offering equal measures of hope and challenge to a war-weary world. It dares us to grasp the true meaning of Christmas—not as a fleeting celebration, but as a guiding light throughout the year.

For Christians, Christmas is about the incarnation of Jesus, the ultimate expression of God’s love for the world (John 3:16). He’s the babe in the manger who brought salvation and hope to a broken world. Beyond individual faith traditions, however, “the most wonderful time of the year” also reminds us to strengthen family bonds and practice generosity toward our neighbors.

And then there’s New Year’s—a time for reflection and resolution. Many of us set goals for the months ahead, though often, these well-intentioned plans fade as quickly as the season’s celebrations. This year, I’ve decided to take a different approach: to align my resolutions with my deepest spiritual aspirations.

In a nutshell, I’ve resolved to become a better version of myself. It’s not that I’m a bad person—though, like all of us, I have moments I’d rather take back. I simply know I can be and do better. This resolution isn’t just for the new year but for a lifetime. It’s a commitment to change my little corner of the world.

“The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.” – Proverbs 4:18

So where to begin? For me, it starts with my personal journey of faith. (I encourage you to reflect on your own faith journey as you read.)

I long to deepen my relationship with God—to better understand His holy character and His will for my life. This calls for more than prayer, reflection, or Bible study. It means living each day centered on God’s teachings about love, compassion, and integrity. It means trusting His guidance when my path is unclear and remaining faithful in seasons of both blessing and trial.

I’m seeking a better version of me as a child of God— one with the wisdom to recognize when I’ve strayed, and the resolve to return to His path.

I also owe much of who I am to my wife, Karen, to whom I’ve been married for 51 years. Sometimes I feel like she’s been a better spouse to me than I’ve been to her. I’m determined to show her the love, respect, and attentiveness she deserves. This year, the better version of me will listen more deeply, empathize more fully, and express my gratitude through small acts of kindness.

Likewise, as a father, I resolve to demonstrate love, humility, and steadfast support for my son as he navigates life’s highs and lows. I want to be the example he looks to—a man of faith, integrity, and compassion. If I’m successful, I will listen twice as much as I speak. My goal isn’t perfection, for I know that’s unattainable, but simply to be better.

Karen and I have also been blessed with a rich community and many lifetime friends in our senior years. It’s a diverse group, united by love and mutual respect. While differences may occasionally arise, I am committed to being a peacemaker, fostering understanding and harmony wherever possible.

Can I live up to these resolutions? Time will tell. But I believe striving to be better—bit by bit, day by day—is a goal worth pursuing.

Whatever your resolutions may be for 2025, I wish you God’s blessing on your journey. May this year bring you joy, growth, and peace.

Happy New Year.