The word Resolution always brings thoughts of New Year's Eve and some extraordinary promises that we make ourselves. It is such a formidable word and I suppose rightly so, since the intent of it is to make a life-change that we have previously found impossible to do.
I recently read that most people who make a New Year's Resolution have already given up on it by the eighth day!
As I wallow in this thought, and let my mind review my own resolution to lose weight, I come to a conclusion: that most people make a resolution without any sort of plan on how to accomplish it, how to stay on task. Do we need to take a class, purchase new tools, attend church, see a counselor?
We can't just say we have a resolution but must have an action plan to go with it.
If you and I are like the statistics, we have already given up on our resolution and have moved on to other things. And if you are like me, that resolution still nags at you like a stone in your shoe! And are we going to let a whole nother year slide by and end up making the same promises again next year?
Here is good news: a new beginning can start any time. It doesn't have to wait until New Year's. A fresh start can begin with each new day, or even with your next breath.
My friend Mike told me once about being on a weightloss plan: "Just think about one meal at a time." He was so right. If I look at how far I have to go it is daunting. All I have to do is get through the next meal making right choices. Just take one step at a time. Don't look at the whole journey.
And if I fail, I can start again, because of His mercy.
There is a scripture in Lamentations that says His mercy and compassion fails not; they are new every morning.
Resolutions are good. It's even better to realize you can start any time. Even with your very, next breath.
Dear God, You have made a way when there seemed to be no way. Your mercy allows for change and growth. It is new every morning. Thank you for helping me learn that perfection is the enemy. I can always start over, try again. Help me to plan to succeed but also to rise again when I fail. ~Your Gurl