Are any of you reading this column feeling flat? Has the yeast gone out of your loaf? Have your batteries run down? If you agree, raise your hand or wave if you are strong enough. Yes, I see you. Thank you. And you too, thank you.

This is the quietest time of year, after Christmas and New Year’s, and many of you are like me – emotionally spent, and physically in need of a recharge. Isn’t it ridiculous after the most frantic, over-indulgent time of year, to feel this way?  

January is a time when we get a reprieve. A rest from all the hubbub. Stop world. 

January can be a time of reflection and a chance to seek normalcy. After all, there is a rhythm to life. 

I polled my Facebook friends for their “New Year’s Resolutions” and they answered with much of the same thoughts. Get organized, save money, stop annoying habits, get healthy, exercise more, lose weight, and so on.

In addition, they suggested life-attitude adjustments as well. It’s those I address.

You might read Ecclesiastes in the Bible. It says it all. The teacher begins with his complaints, “Futility of futilities ... Everything is futile” After moaning and groaning for awhile, he begins his search. He reflects ...

“Nothing is new under the sun. Sorrow is better than laughter. It is better to heed a wise man’s rebuke. Do not say, ‘Why were the old days better than these?’” (sound familiar?)

“The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him. The beginning of his talk is folly and the end of his speech is evil madness.”

Resolution 1. To watch our mouths this year. Speak good words, faith words, kind words. Think before we speak. “Through laziness the roof caves in, and in the hands of the idle, the house leaks.” 

Resolution 2. Decide to work more, save more, avoid wasting time and money needlessly. “Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart, for God has already approved your works.” 

Resolution 3. Enjoy your portion in this life. Be thankful. Be encouraged. (suggestion: Keep a daily of your gratitudes.) “Cast your bread upon the waters, and after many days you will find it again.”

Resolution 4. Be generous. Think of others. Keep on keeping on. Don’t despair. And last, “So banish sorrow from your heart, and cast off pain from your body, for youth and vigor are fleeting.”

Resolution 5. Decide to be joyful. Spread merriment and encouragement.

I feel better already. I hope you do too. Happy New Year’s Resolutions to all! 

Judi Tabler lives in Pawnee County and is a guest columnist for the Great Bend Tribune. She can be reached at juditabler@gmail.com.