. . . I found my 2010 journal and was close to tears. Every year I try as hard as I might, but my good intentions always fall short.

Day 1: Awoke early; washed, folded and put away the laundry; exercised; meals were tasty and nutritious; attended evening Bible study.

Day 2: Started late; worked on sewing project; ironed shirts; and patched a pair of jeans. Skipped lunch but supper was delicious; exercised.

Day 3: Had a doctor’s appointment; did grocery shopping; had a peanut butter sandwich and an apple; supper wasn’t much better; hurried to a meeting.

The next days didn’t get any better. What went wrong? I made lists coordinating my projects not to conflict with meetings and appointments, tried to make sure my schedule was possible and plotted time for reading and goofing off. It looked so good on paper; it lasted a bit longer than three days. Now I am forced to stop, rework my plan and try again.

New Year’s resolutions are useful in helping us restructure some habits. But it is so easy to forget all the unscheduled interruptions in life such as the phone call that lasts an hour, extra snow shoveling, scorching supper requiring plan “B”, a pleasant but unexpected visit or just being lazy for an afternoon.

Challenging ourselves to be productive and organized is essential. Taking care of needs and enjoying people is too. Sometimes they just clash, each of them demanding time. However, a hug from a friend, a conversation with a grandchild or an unexpected visit from a neighbor feels better and warms the heart faster than any ”fulfilled” journal entry.

May your day be filled with pleasing interruptions, accomplished goals and a lot of hugs.