We look to the calendar from whence cometh our help. Why is that so? We look at January 1st as the answer to our previous year's frustrations. I wonder why? Herbert Hoover said, "About the time we think we can make ends meet, somebody moves the ends."
The concern I have about New Year's Resolutions is procrastination is involved. This means, we put off until tomorrow what could be done today. A New Year begins and three months into it, we're looking forward to the year's end so that we can get another chance to procrastinate some more.
I recall the scriptures (Matthew 9:14-17) where Christ spoke of pouring new wine in old wineskins. If we go into the New Year with the same mindset, nothing will actually change in our favor. Doing the same thing year after year- no, day after day and expecting a different result has been defined as insanity. So, why wait for a New Year to morph into a new you?
Think of the advantage we would have if we had only stuck with last year's resolutions. We would be thinner, fit, heavier, well- or better-educated, debt free, a better spouse, friend, employee, employer or person! We made plans for improvement but we did not have a mind-transforming experience which would have enabled us to carry out our plans.
We are not to lean on our own understanding but to seek divine guidance and inspiration, if we are believers. Even if you are not a believer, a negative mindset is a hindrance. There will always be battles and struggles when we do not have light in the dark places of our minds. Some struggles are but for a moment or season to help in our growth and spiritual maturation.
A New Year rapidly approaches and somehow, some of us expect things to miraculously change when we have done absolutely nothing as a catalyst for change. We're still unforgiving, angry, hateful, deceitful, hypocrites, racists, judgmental, and in denial about ourselves. It would take a miracle to bring about a change but a miracle is possible.
We must accept the Savior, confess and change from our wrongdoings and thoughts and look to Him who is the author and finisher of our faith.
A New Year can mean a New You! It's our choice. Happy New Year and new beginnings!
© 2007 Avis Ward of GeoVi's Home for New Life
