New year, old resolutions
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is his faithfulness.”
- Lamentations 3:23
As we begin the new semester, many will venture into new things; even now, goals and positions are presenting themselves to students of all classes. Maybe you’ve even promised yourself to improve in more or less personal areas of your life for the year to come.
Photo Credit: Tim Andries
So, what’s the worth of a New Years’ resolution? It’s one tradition most of us save for the 7th day of Christmas, when the calendar shifts. And in the midst of winter nights and festive times spent with loved ones, what better time to make a promise to be better?
Sadly, it’s also the most tempting time to have our slate wiped clean. The December-January cusp, shrouded in darkness and between two school or work sessions, doesn’t exactly flash a new beginning. Too often, too many in our society use the breathing space to sigh over their disappointments with the past year and, in the end, it seems that only Santa Claus leaves Christmas behind without any leftover baggage. But in the face of all this, we can promise ourselves the months ahead will be different in some way by resolving to change something within our power.
Our “resolutions” can say something about us and our goals; especially that we’re not perfect. It may be just the motivation to escape that little pang of guilt, like “not talking about myself so much.” Or, on the positive side we can introduce new habits, like getting organized and starting homework earlier. We all have something; even here on campus I’ve found much variety: “I want to get ripped,” “I want to take more time to ‘re-discover myself,” “I want to be a more active leader in my youth group,” “I want to get my parents into better habits.” Can you name a couple things these resolutions have in common? One, they were all made this year by the same person. Two, these doubtless require dedication. Which is why some shy away from making them at all — while others feel fulfilled if theirs will see the end of January. In either case, though it takes more than dedication to accomplish any goal, we cannot truly effect change without the help of the Creator.
Too often, even the failed New Years’ resolution can be added to that nasty list of disappointments. However, grace follows closely. Each year we learn that, whether you’re a lip-biter, excessive video-gamer, chain-smoker, or notoriously bad at keeping New Years’ resolutions, you are not alone. And every time we look into the Word, we learn that each day has a clean slate; and all things are within His power.
Maybe your resolution is to plunge deeper into God’s promises, and view the new opportunities to come with spring through a purer heart; maybe you could get the people on your hockey team to know Christ. Maybe your resolution has already failed. Remember, old habits die hard — and even the noblest of intentions cannot blossom without follow-through and patience. Even in our imperfections, God promises, “Behold: I am doing a new thing.”
Travis Heide
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