The JEOPARDY! "answer" probably would have been something like, "This is something most people make once a year, but rarely keep for more than a few weeks."
Resolutions are almost laughable in our culture. When we tell people what our new year's resolutions are, we tend to tack on a disclaimer -- "...but we'll see how long that lasts!" The word resolution, though, is the fraternal twin of resolve. If you resolve you will do something, you've set your mind to it. If someone has great resolve, they are driven towards a goal. Resolutions aren't to be taken lightly. In the interest of being persnickety (that's not true, I just really wanted to type out persnickety, apparently twice), I am changing my wording.
I resolve to do two things this year.
I resolve to be more intentional about my day-to-day life. I listen to the Yolanda Adams Morning Show on the gospel station every morning on my way to work, and the thing they always want you to do is Live on Purpose. Don't let life happen to you. I like to let life happen to me -- it's easier that way. But it's the lazy thing to do, and I don't think it's the way God has designed us. We are called to follow His will, but we can't do that if we don't put ourselves out there somehow. This means we need to work hard at our jobs, no matter how tired we are; we need to pursue our friends and loved ones, and not just wait for them to call; we ought to keep track of time and fill our moments with valuable experiences (But wait -- it's still okay to sit and watch loads of Criminal Minds episodes. Just not every day. And not spend the remainder of your time on Facebook.); we must make choices intelligently, not impulsively.
I resolve to include God in my big decisions and little moments. I have ignored Him for years, people. Ignored with outright rebellions, with sideways snubs, with placing myself first always. I am my own idol. If it's convenient for me, I pray. If I think about it. I go to church because I like the people there and it's the only time I get to belt out songs with others (clearly I miss being in a choir...). It's been a long time since I've simply communed with God for the sake of the relationship; I'm always trying to get something out of it, and that's not good. Especially since I turn right around and alienate Him again as soon as my holy supplications leave my lips. It's time I praise Him for what He's done and the blessings He's given me. I am who I am completely because that's who He's created me to be. I can't take credit for anything I have, and it can all be taken away in a moment. I need to be okay with life if I'm not amazing...but really, I need to realize that my "amazingness" isn't really mine to use however I choose.
I would expound a little more, but I've got three minutes of battery life on my computer. I encourage you to think of things that you resolve to do this year, and treat them like the life-changing goals that they ought to be.
We've got this one life that is supposed to be a beautiful thing. Don't get in the way of your beautiful life by doing nothing.
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