The Most Important New Year’s Resolution–It Will Change Your Life Forever (edited repost)

The Most Important New Year’s Resolution–It Will Change Your Life Forever (edited repost)

Resolutions. Everyone talks about them. 

Some people are thoughtful and serious,

Some folks are scornful and disdaining,

Some look to the future with excitement and anticipation of their achievement.

While others are fatalistic, holding no hope for success, declining to even try.

My sister and I always marvel at the number of people crowding the YMCA during the new year. In January we may actually have to wait for a treadmill to come available. By March the wait is nonexistent.

What is it in our human nature that makes keeping resolutions so difficult? 

Making the list is easy.

We start off strong and determined—then life happens.

We falter,

We misstep,

We often fail miserably. 

One year I decided I would cook meals ahead of time so I could have something ready to go in the freezer. It was such a busy time in life, with two boys playing different sports, and the Preacher often coaching them. A new food preparation place had opened, so to get off to a roaring start, I cajoled my partner in crime to join me. Sis and I made our reservations and had a great time hanging out and preparing the meals.

It was fast, easy and fun. 

That experiment lasted about three months. We thought we would continue the project in our own kitchens, but it never happened. No great loss, just a minor failed goal.

But there is one goal I take very seriously—reading my Bible.

In my twenties I just hoped to remember to read it at all. As I got older and a little more regular with my reading, I upped the ante. So I decided I would read the entire Bible and I barely trudged past the dreaded Leviticus mountain, only to find I got bogged down in the Psalms of all things. After many failures, I wised up and found what would work for me. 

I made my goal to read my bible every day. I didn’t set a length of time or verse. Some days I read chapters, other days I read a few verses. The point to me was reading daily.

It was not about a checklist,

It was not about bragging rights,

It was not about comparing and competing,

It was certainly not a race.

It was about taking the time, not rushing through to try and attain a set about of verses or chapters. Whether a few minutes or many minutes—I needed to be still and listen to the voice of my God.

It took me years to realize it was quality, not quantity. 

I didn’t know it at the time, but I had robbed myself of the life changing words which would have led from the road of mere survival to the path of peace. 

Read his word and God will change your life—one day at a time. Promise!

Psalms 119:14-16 “I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.”

-What resolution failures and successes have you had?

-Make at least one resolution for 2019, and make it a spiritual one.