• Allison Miles •
• Originally published January 26, 2009 at 9:51 p.m., updated January 26, 2009 at 9:51 p.m.

Times flies when you're having fun! It's hard to imagine that it is already a full month since I was ringing in the New Year in front of my television watching thousands celebrate in downtown San Antonio. I prefer that telecast to New York City. Somehow it feels better to welcome my hopes and dreams for the New Year by watching something go up instead of down. How comforting it is to begin a year with an elevator that goes all the way to the top. Then, like the telecast host and co-host, I contemplate my resolutions.

Each and every year, no matter what venue, the broadcast hosts quickly turn to a discussion of resolutions for the next 12 months. I usually half listen while I ponder my own commitments. But, this time I was drawn by what one of the commentators in San Antonio said when asked about his resolutions.

He said, "First and foremost I want to improve my relationship with God. It isn't what I know it could be."

I didn't see that one coming. I've grown accustomed to hearing jubilant athletes thank their spiritual authority for blessings, success, and good fortune. It surprised me, however, to hear a network spokesperson share such intimate reflections about his personal relationship with God and how he feels that relationship has not been what he believes it could be. Instead of just thanking God, he pledged to grow closer. He didn't linger on that thought. Just a poignant mention, and then he moved on.

This was profound to me. It was not so much that he witnessed to the existence and authority of God, albeit not a bad idea. But he prefaced his hopes for a better life with the understanding that his success or failure relies significantly on his ability and willingness to reach beyond himself. He wants to tap into spiritual powers. I recommend that for all of us.

There is a spiritual component to each of us that reaches beyond the material or physical. The spiritual relates to matters of the soul, where our energy, passion, determination, and faith find their spark. In order to believe in ourselves, excel, and find the courage to face challenges that take us beyond expectations, it is imperative that we look past ourselves to the spiritual. And this must encompass more than gratitude for how we have been blessed. There should also be an intentional desire to improve on the relationship.

I am encouraged these days in the midst of so much bad news about fewer and fewer resources to find more and more people willing to talk about the place of God in their plans, expectations, and life. It's no secret anymore that attitude, mental preparedness, and belief in the face of doubt plays a far greater role than our actual skills and ability when it comes to success of effort and accomplishments. Now I'm seeing more people willing to turn that attitude, mental preparation, and belief toward improving their relationship with the spiritual. That single observation is why I have great hopes for our future and a confident anticipation for what lies ahead. Our relationship with things spiritual is the defining resource that can power all of our elevators to the top. Maybe we should all start with improving that relationship.

Lane Johnson, M.Div., LPC, is a licensed counselor and life coach. He welcomes your comments. You can contact him by e-mail at lane@StrategicConnectionGroup.com.

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