In last January’s column in the NoVES newsletter, I made some New Year’s resolutions for myself, my country and the world.  My primary personal resolution, to lose weight, actually occurred in part.  By the summer I had lost 10 pounds. However, I had some health issues (and willpower issues) and unfortunately gained back all of the weight.  On the positive side, I resolved to spend more time on my NoVES responsibilities and to take a vacation, both of which I’ve done.  I also took a semi-vacation when Mary Ellen and I went to the AEU Assembly in Austin, Texas.  My resolution for the country came to pass, as we elected a progressive President (although the Rick Warren controversy has put somewhat of a damper on my enthusiasm for him).  My resolution for the world, unfortunately, has not occurred, as there is still pervasive conflict, poverty and illiteracy.

My resolutions had mixed results last year so in response to that - - I’ve decided not to make any more resolutions.  This year I will simply state what I hope will happen.  That way if things don’t turn out the way I’d like, I won’t feel as big of a let down.  I’m going to focus on two areas where I actually have some influence – my own life and the Northern Virginia Ethical Society.  In stating my hopes, I’m going to try to be realistic – I know I’m not going to lose 50 pounds and NoVES isn’t going to buy a building.  So here are my hopes for 2009, for myself and for the Northern Virginia Ethical Society.

Personally, I hope to start living a healthier lifestyle, which means eating more intelligently and exercising within the limits of my physical capabilities.  I have to have some serious conversations with Jone Johnson Lewis and Judy Oppenheim, who are great role models for the rest of us in this area.  I plan to take on some new responsibilities, which I hope will have positive results.  In January, I’m going to begin mentoring the teenaged son of a friend who will be participating in a program for teens run by the Virginia National Guard.  I’ve never been a mentor and I know this will be a challenging experience for me.  I plan to get back into law this summer by joining the law committee of the American Ethical Union.  When I retired last January, I wondered if I would ever want to practice law again.  I’ve been surprised to find the desire to practice law returning, and I’ll see if working with the AEU law committee is sufficient to satisfy this desire.

For NoVES, I’m hoping that our outreach efforts will give us more visibility in the community and lead to more visitors and new members, including some with children for the Sunday School.  I’d like to see some of our members decide to take on new NoVES responsibilities and, if necessary, give up tasks they’ve been doing for a while to let others have the opportunity to undertake them.  I believe this to be very important for the development of new ideas and approaches as well as for the personal satisfaction of our members.  I’ve been very pleased with the addition of Hugh Taft-Morales to the NoVES Leadership and I hope he continues with us throughout the year and into 2010.  Our adult education programs have been well attended and I’m glad they will be continuing.  I’d like to see even more NoVES members taking advantage of them.  Above all, I’m hoping that the enthusiasm of our members and friends towards NoVES continues and increases.  In order to be a successful Society, we have to be a happy Society, which I believe we are.

These are my hopes for 2009.  I’d be interested to hear yours.