Time for resolutions

2025 is right around the corner. The changing of the year has always been bittersweet for me. I have loved my years, and I hate to see one end. On the other hand, a new year is a tabula rasa, a blank slate waiting for a new story to be written on it.

 Anticipation of this new year is different from previous years. This year anticipation is tinged with fear and worry, anxiety and dread. Retribution and revenge have already begun. The fifteen- million-dollar settlement with George Stephanopoulos and ABC is the tip of the spear. More of thes kind of lawsuits are coming.

 There are communities of people fearful of deportation. Migrants, dreamers with DACA status, many of whom have no memory of living anywhere else, are afraid of being ripped away from their work, school, families. At the other end of the equation, there are employers of immigrant workers scared for how they will get jobs covered when migrants are gone. From farmers, to meatpackers, to crab pickers, to landscapers, to construction companies the labor force will change and prices will increase as a result.

 The LGBTQ community is afraid of rights being taken away. Same sex marriage is a target. Bathroom usage is an issue. Laws written as protections for the civil rights of all people are on the chopping block. Young gender-differenced people, especially, feel like there is increasing animus against them.

 Our public schools are under attack. Reduced funding and  vouchers indicate the de-valuation of public education. We seem to be perfectly willing to re-segregate our schools. Diversity be damned. A lot of us fear where this trend is taking us.

 Big insurance companies and big pharma make huge profits and can manipulate who gets care and who doesn’t. I have often wondered if health care is designed to keep people unhealthy. They only make money when people are sick. Companies don’t have to change, they are happy keeping things the way they are. With the major contributions to politicians who affect policy to that advantage these industries, change for us little guys will not likely come.

 What will change is Medicare and Medicaid funding. Nobody knows exactly how they will change. They may go away completely. The gnashing of teeth has come too late. We are in this, just getting started.

 Privatizing the postal system is likely coming. Delivering mail through rain, snow, sleet, and hail has not been profitable for a long time. Everything in today’s world is profit centered. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, until it is. A bottom line is a hungry beast.

 A lot of people read the resumes of the incoming Cabinet, if they are approved. I know people can surprise us, but what I see is a slate of inexperienced and incompetent people whose biggest gift is fealty to the incoming president. Today’s news is that Herschel Walker will be ambassador to the Bahamas. Bless his heart. Wonder what the Bahamians think of this appointment?

 Resolutions at the beginning of a new year point to intention, hope, goal. This year our resolutions might need to be more about staying engaged and informed.

 I am a long-time goal setter. Usually, I set goals around the school year. I categorize them around family goals, faith goals, personal health goals, financial goals, and career goals. I re-evaluate and measure my progress in New Year’s resolutions. I tweak when needed.

 This New Year’s Resolutions will be about good planning, reading, praying, and finding ways to stay engaged in ways that benefit others. I don’t want to feel afraid of what’s coming in 2025, neither do I intend to bury my head in the sand. Deep breaths and thoughtful decision making will help manage anxiety. 

 We are told to not be afraid. We are not alone. While we may feel unable and helpless in the coming changes, God is able and at work to right the world. God struggles with our poor decision making.

 I have a small icon of a ladder going up to heaven. Up and down the ladder, people slip off. In some cases, angels are there to rescue. Others fall into the abyss. Keeping our eyes open and taking the ladder one rung at a time, we will get through whatever is coming our way. Resolve to make 2025 a blessing and hang on. Happy New Year.

 Lib Campbell is a retired Methodist pastor, retreat leader, columnist and host of the blogsite www.avirtualchurch.com. She can be contacted at libcam05@gmail.com