Resolutions for a new year
I've had many failed New Year's resolutions over time, most of which involved dieting and exercise. I have been disciplined enough to accomplish a couple resolutions, however.

I kept one of the two resolutions I made in 1999. I learned how to play the flute that year, something I'd wanted to do since fifth grade. I made a valiant effort at a second resolution — learn to make a great pie crust. In 2000, I resolved to adopt a vegetarian lifestyle, and I've kept that one (mostly) over the last five years. There were a couple of errant pepperoni that that made their way onto a slice of pizza and some bacon bits in a salad once or twice.

As I reflect on my successful resolutions, there is a common thread. Both are marked with passion and fervor, even a bit of zeal. I had wanted to play the flute for about 30 years and finally decided, if not by the time I was 40, then when? With the vegetarian decision, I had come to that over time, as well. I became less and less comfortable with what I learned about the ways animals were grown and slaughtered, and I became more and more convinced that a vegetarian lifestyle was consistent with God's vision of creation.

I'm still working on that diet and exercise stuff, and maybe, with the help of my co-workers, I'll be more disciplined in 2005. The staff of Women of the ELCA embarked on a walking campaign this past November as part of an effort to be the healthy and whole women God intends us to be. We're keeping track of our collective steps and symbolically "walking" to San Antonio. In fact, we hope to "walk" to and from San Antonio a few times before we meet there this July for the triennial gathering. Check in with me in San Antonio to see how I'm doing!