Make your 'faith resolutions'

A lot of people like to make New Year’s Resolutions at the start of January. It’s a new year and a chance to start fresh. A good time to plan to lose a few pounds, workout more or spend more time doing something you enjoy or value.

I’ve always felt like September can be a great time to do this as well. Children are heading back to the classroom to start a new school year. The change in seasons is right around the corner. The summer heat is ending and the cold, dark days of winter are not yet here.

And when it comes to faith, there is no one time of the year that’s better than others to start fresh or make some kind of faith resolution. So why not fall?

As the days and the temperatures start to shorten now is a great time to think about God and faith. Maybe you want to focus on praying more and being in conversation with God about your life. After all, God wants to hear about what you are up to and wants you to listen for where God might be calling you. Maybe you want to spend some time reading scripture. Or maybe you want to connect more with other Christians through discussions, Bible and book study, or fellowship with others. Maybe you want to return to (or start for the first time) attending church regularly. We have more than half a dozen churches in the Ritzville area; I’ll bet one of them is just the right place for you.

September might just be the perfect time to start a “Faith Resolution.” That way by the time the new year rolls around you will already have a few months under your belt.

No matter what you might be looking to change about your current faith practice, I encourage you to share with others what you are setting out to do. Sharing your plans with others makes you much more likely to succeed. And maybe you can get someone to join you in your endeavor - faith is always better when two or more people join together in it.

Whatever you decide to embrace as your “Faith Resolution” I pray that you are successful and connect closer with God.

—Pastor Tricia Christman, Co-Pastor at Emanuel Lutheran Church