New Year’s resolutions are dangerous; they make a fool of you by February. That’s why I don’t make them.
I do, however, set out a list of goals for the year. Not that I expect to actually accomplish them all, but it’s good to have something to shoot for. I believe in Vince Lombardi’s philosophy: “We are going to relentlessly pursue perfection. We are not going to reach it, because nobody is perfect. But we are going to pursue it relentlessly because on the way, we will catch excellence.” One year, my goal was to read one book every week. I didn’t make it, but I read far more that year than I would have without the challenge. So, once again I will aim high with some ambitious goals and hope to catch some excellence along the way.
Although resolutions don’t work for me, I like the word “resolve”. Here’s what it means: have determination, make up one’s mind, put one’s foot down, take a stand, stand firm, put one’s heart into, take the bull by the horns, go all out, stick to one’s guns, stick it out, never say die, have gumption. *Sigh* I do love my thesaurus.
2012. What will you bring? What lessons are in store? Come what may, I’m determined to put my heart into living it.
a small drop of ink 
I second that emotion!
I was reading the Charles Spurgeon devotion tonight and I loved his enthusiasm for the new year! It said: “Let us banish every fearful thought, and rejoice with exceeding great joy,…” and further…..”Since O sweet Lord Jesus, Thou art the present portion of Thy people, favour us this year with such a sense of Thy preciousness, that from its first to its last day we may be glad and rejoice in Thee. Let January open with joy in the Lord, and December close with gladness in Jesus.”
That is my resolve! I’m excited!
Beautiful! Ah, to sense His preciousness from beginning to end…what a thought!
I like that – goals instead of resolutions. I want to bring pleasure to God. That may sound strange but I know we were created ‘for his pleasure’ (Rev. 4:11). I’m acutely aware of the ‘pleasure’ I get from my relationships: the connection that comes of having a friend to share my heart with, the pure satisfaction of having a husband to share my life with, the joy that bubbles up in me when I hear my children laughing or see them loving each other. I want to connect with God as my closest friend, satisfy him as I attempt to work side by side on his purpose, and bring him joy as I laugh and love in this life he’s given me.
So well said, my friend. It’s astounding that we can bring pleasure to the God of the universe. Sounds like a good focus for the coming year.
I’m resolving to journal more! And to practice guitar more!