A New Year really doesn't change much. From my vantage points, the 6 inches of snow on the ground 2 days ago is still here. True, I did notice mom just changed the calendar in the kitchen. But really, we all know that a new set of 365 days really does little to alter the landscape.
However, like every year before, we do have the opportunity to take this small evidence of newness and apply some fresh change in our lives. I've been thinking. What is it about us, as humans, that so desperately wants to change, wants to be better? Every year, most people take some time to reflect on mistakes of the past and think ahead to hopes of progress in their lives.
Inherent in each of us is a desire to be better, to improve, to enjoy purity in life, even if it lasts only through January 3rd. I think this quality found in us is a result of our deep desire to please our Creator, to be found righteous in his sight.
So, despite my slightly pessimistic tone toward New Year's Resolutions, I think they're great. My hope is that our continual attempts to change and our perpetual failures will not drive us deeper into shame but will draw us closer to the Father that can truly clothe us with righteousness.
4 comments:
New Year's resolutions have become a society pressure. It's really just one chance that people get to hope in things being better. Ever notice how quickly new year's resolutions are broken? It's because people don't change. We expect situations or circumstances to change but we refuse to do anything about them to make it happen. This is another general statement. I'm sure many people do make changes. Just another pessimistic view on the holiday. I'm not really that pessimistic about it, promise.
The more I think about it, maybe this is our one chance to feel a little grace, forgiveness, mercy. To those that don't experience it everyday with Jesus Christ this is the one point in the year it is tangible.
You're right Bret. It's kind of like the Year of Jubilee. All debts erased. A new start.
I really enjoy your perspective on things...especially this post. I often wonder why we make resolutions only to fall away from them so quickly. I want to have a new day resolution EVERY DAY to dig deeper into God's plan and will for me. My hope is that this will bring on a constant, daily renewal and focus. Thanks for sharing.
The New Year is a lot like a new semester, a new job, a new location, etc. Each brings that inherent (great choice of words, because that's what it is) desire to do better at something, "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
Change is good because change often leads to hope.
You are the man and would like you to return to TU soon.
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