2009-12-27 New Year

The year is closed, the record made,

The last deed done, the last word said,

The memory alone remains

Of all its joys, its griefs, its gains,

And now with purpose full and clear,

We turn to meet another year.

Robert Browning (1812–1889)

So begins another year. At this time, we often reflect upon what we did and didn’t do over the past 12 months, while building plans for the coming year. But why is it that we focus so much upon making resolutions at this time of the year, only to often forget or fail to do them? I know I’m not the only one that has failed resolutions – for instance, for the last three New Year’s I’ve been making a resolution to treat myself to going skydiving, but I’m yet to do it. It’s not like this is a far-fetched ambition, it’s just that I continue to not uphold my resolution. Reflecting upon this, what does this say about me? Is it that I am not committal? No, I don’t think that is it. Is it that maybe my new year’s resolution just doesn’t align with my priorities? This is probably more correct.

With that said, I challenge you to think about your resolutions. What is it that you resolve to do over the next 12 months, and how does this align with the priorities in your life? What about your spiritual life? What resolution will you make for God? Furthermore, what other resolutions can you make throughout the upcoming year? Why just wait for January to reflect upon your actions, inactions, dreams and desires?

In my thoughts, I reflect upon how silly some of my resolutions have been. Why is it that I place something out in the future to do? Why don’t I do it now? Besides, only the present exists. The past is gone, and the future is out of reach; we only have now. Shouldn’t my resolutions be for now, maybe for tomorrow, but beyond that it’s out of reach; maybe I should resolve to complete steps that will enable the completion of goal. Maybe that is the whole problem with New Year’s resolutions – the resolution is more of a goal when it should perhaps be the first step to the goal, followed by the second step being the next resolution, etc. Just something to ponder on.

May God bless you and yours in the days, weeks, months, and years to come,

Josh