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I'm a very determined kind of individual. Sometimes my determination is misplaced and things get very ugly. But, sometimes my determination leads to laughter, deep thoughts, and words on paper.

I write everything. I'm not very good at filtering ... so you will see it all. Maybe there will be a little inspiration for someone else along the way. I hope so. My sister also likes to guest blog and I'm sure you will appreciate her wit and wisdom.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Resolution Schmesolution

I don't have anything against a resolution.


Actually, I remember making all sorts of lists around the New Year (why do we capitalize this, or do we?) as I was growing up. Many of them were ambiguous and general, but every once in a while I would challenge myself with something concrete like, "Read 1 book/month" or "work out every day." One year, I even remember making a chart for myself with three columns - Spiritual, Mental, Physical. I made a list under each column of my version of "healthy," laminated the paper, and quickly became obsessed with my weekly track record.

I guess what I am fighting this new year is the temptation to jump on the merry-go-round once more... to dive into bold declarations of "never agains and alwayses."

It is so very easy for me to make a list. I mean, I grew up in 4-H, folks, where we wrote goals with a specific timeline and object in mind (shout out to 4-H!). But, as I'm considering the next year that lay ahead, I realized that I don't want it to be a list of things I've attempted and failed. I don't want to look back next January and, in a new journal, outline how I can "live my best life now" or something horribly cliche.

I think it comes back to what so much of our conversation has been about around here - the question of eternal significance. If I can just resolve to wake up in the morning, breathe in the cool air, and say, "Lord, whatever you would have me do today, let it echo in eternity." If I can resolve to commune throughout the day with my Savior - to check in with petitions, frustrations, rejoices, and laments. If I can resolve to wear down the edges of my hardcover Bible. If I can be ever so resolute in claiming each moment... then maybe I would be less obsessed with timeframe and completion and more in awe of a divine relationship.

What are your thoughts - resolutions or no?

1 comment:

Mrs. Nichols said...

That's a no on resolutions. I, too, am a list maker. But resolutions simply set us up to fail, like the oft-quoted verse from Romans:"For that which I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate." Romans 7:15
When I decide to diet, all I can think about is food. Enough said.