New Year
A new year and an opportunity to start over. Or at least that’s what I want to believe and I celebrate on New Year’s Eve. (Actually, I don’t “do” New Year’s Eve because 39 years ago on New Year’s Day I gave birth to my first child. And ever since then it has been about making her day special – set apart from all the other festivities.)
However, at 11:59 PM on December 31st no big eraser comes and all things become new. I’d like to think I have new energy to do those things I didn’t do last year. Oh, I may have new resolve but if I am honest, my history tells me it doesn’t carry me very far into the new year. I may have made new plans, new goals, new ideas, hopefully, new opportunities. But like so many of us, I will fall back into old patterns and habits. And I will feel defeated – once again.
No. The old me came into the new year. I don’t make resolutions any more because I know my own history. I fail miserably at any resolution. And resolutions really tend to be self-focused: what I will do, what I want. Self-improvement.
This year I have decided, not resolved, to read through the Bible again – using the Daily Walk Bible. A group of us from my church are doing it together. Encouraging each other and holding each other accountable. It will be a challenge not to get behind as I travel this year but I know it will be a special endeavor. (A couple of years ago I read through the Bible in The Message. It was like ready a good novel!)I am eager to catch up with Abraham, Moses, David, Nahum, Malachi, John, Peter, Paul and of course, Jesus. Renewing old friendships. Gleaning new insights. Seeing things I haven’t seen before. An adventure.
Won’t you join me?
(I see a determination in “decided” that I don’t see or feel in “resolve”!)
Didn’t know your firstborn was a New Year baby! I recall a couple of painful New Year’s Eves from my misspent youth, but thank goodness none resulted in a baby.
Seriously though, your distinctiion between “decide” and “resolve” was most helpful, It reminded me that when I “decide” to do something, I really mean that I’ve decided to let the Holy Spirit enable me to do what I’m convicted about. When “I” resolve to do something, powerless me is all I’ve got to rely on.
May your New Year be rich in godly “decisions.” And keep these great blogs coming!
Your encouragement is treasured by my heart, dear friend. Looking forward to being with you in CO. this year.
I realized that I share the same birthday with you, which makes me smile because I am a big fan of you. Happy belated birthday, Merry Christmas, and may the New Year brings abundant blessings to you, your family and your ministry. I decided to reread the bible this year, thanks for the stimulation.