I remember watching movies and TV shows as a kid that highlighted events in the future, and I would see the projected year and think, “Wow… that’s so far in the future. I’m never going to get there!”
The 70’s and 80’s passed, the 90’s came and went, life sprinted through the 2000’s and the 20-teens are long gone. I can’t believe it’s actually 2022.
Ironically, the last two years seem as if they were a whole decade by themselves, while speeding by at the same time. Impossible I know, but our reality nonetheless.
So what are we to do with this new year? New Year’s resolutions are good, but they rarely stick. And if they do work out, for how long?
The other day, one of my social media accounts reminded me of a promise I made years ago to all my virtual friends. A promise to write, blog and post on a regular basis, of what God had been pouring into my heart on a myriad of life subjects. Sounds great, right? Well it wasn’t. I think I only followed through with two regular posts. I failed. Miserably. (So yeah… thanks, facebook!)
I decided to quit spending mental energy on New Year’s resolutions quite a few years ago. Initially however, my resolution-ban was for a somewhat different reason than it is now.
I chose to focus on things that I felt would bring long term joy and peace. Naturally, resolutions had to go. They may bring short-lived happiness and pride, but peace? Nope. But, oh how they could tick off the ‘guilt’ and ‘busyness’ boxes.
So my initial resolve to not resolve, was based on self-preservation and fear. What if I start and fail again? What if I make a promise to myself that I can’t fulfill? Even worse, what if I break a promise I made to others? What will they think and say about me? Will I be unknowingly encouraging them to give up and fail as well? I could go on, but I’ll stop there.
I’ve since come full circle, and here we are… back to 2022.
Do I make New Year’s Resolutions? No. But I haven’t completely given up on resolutions either. Actually, I think that’s the wrong question.
Here’s a better one: Am I resolute? Absolutely!
~ I resolve to do the next right thing, in this very moment.
~ I resolve to lean into the Holy Spirit with each breath that I am given.
~ I resolve to love God and love people (all of them).
~ I resolve to act like Jesus.
And when do I start?
On January 1st? Absolutely!
January 2nd? You bet!
And what about January 23rd? Start again!
June 10th? Yep.
December 31st? You got it! (I think you get the picture.)
Is it wrong to do regular personal evaluations and to intentionally become self-aware? Of course not! New Year’s resolutions are not bad.
As a matter of fact, evaluating yourself and becoming self-aware are both very good things and something that everyone should be doing on a regular basis. And I think that’s just the point. Maybe we should practice New Day’s resolutions, or better yet… New Moment’s resolutions.
I want to be God’s girl in this moment, and in each subsequent moment of my life.
God’s Word is clear that the path to blessings is through loving God, loving people and obeying His commands. If I can resolve to just focus on that, everything else will fall into place…
… including peace and long-lasting joy!
Deuteronomy 28:2-6 (NLT)
“2 You will experience all these blessings if you obey the Lord your God: 3 Your towns and your fields will be blessed. 4 Your children and your crops will be blessed. The offspring of your herds and flocks will be blessed. 5 Your fruit baskets and breadboards will be blessed. 6 Wherever you go and whatever you do, you will be blessed.”
Matthew 22:36-40 (NLT)
“36 ‘Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?’ 37 Jesus replied, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself. 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.’”