What if we’ve been subscribing to the wrong ‘resolution’ all along?

It had been several months since we’d gotten together. Life had been hectic for both of us, but we finally set a date for coffee.

A dear, long-time friend.

It was a chilly January day, and a wrapping my hands around a warm cup of cocoa sounded really nice. Add some inviting, it’s-so-good-to-see-you-again, conversation and I was all in.

Having talked the week before, we decided to meet at a local coffee shop on the main street in town. We’ve both lived here for 20 years, so we knew just where it was.

I parked the car and texted to let her know I had pulled in.  She texted right back and said she had already arrived and had a table for us by the window. I grabbed my mittens and my purse and headed toward the door, as I was looking forward to our visit.

Stepping inside, I glanced around but didn’t see her.

Maybe she had run to the restroom, so I waited.

And waited.

I gave it another couple of minutes. Feeling a bit perplexed, I texted her again.

Yes, she was still inside waiting for me…at the Starbucks down the street, north about another mile! LOL : )

…

There were two locations on the same road.

It became apparent to us that we’d not gotten enough information to clearly understand one another.

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As the eve of the New Year approaches, we can contemplate that same scenario.  Only in another light.

This idea of “resolutions”.

What if we’ve been functioning under a great misconception?

New Year’s resolutions seem to be the topic of conversation at many a holiday get-together.

We examine what we’d like to accomplish in the coming year. The ways in which we can improve upon ourselves.

The focus is concave.

An inward emphasis.

But what if, instead, we are supposed to be looking more external?

Outside ourselves.

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1. a formal expression of opinion, will, or intent.
2. the process or capability of making distinguishable the individual parts of an object, closely adjacent optical images, or sources of light.

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What if we have been under the guise that our resolutions fall under the first definition ~ ‘stating our will, our desire for change’.

Our wanting a modification.

But in reality, we should be examining the latter.

As the second definition states: ‘to be distinguishing the parts of the whole picture’.

The image of this life. 

What if we changed our perspective on some common ‘resolutions’ ? How would that change our understanding? Our outlook? Our lives?

…

Directed at ourselves, we magnify the flaws of our human experience.

We critique our bodies and our bank accounts.

We condescendingly consider our character defects and shortcomings. We diminish our identity to the limited societal criteria for success.

Such is our physical existence.

Sin perpetuates its negative construct by deconstructing our spiritual foundation. 

The enemy wants nothing more than to crumble our foundation. To watch us falter in our faith.

And what better way than to harness our thoughts and to redirect our resolutions?

But what if this year is different?

Might we choose the road less traveled?

An alternate route to a more picturesque destination.

What if instead of resolving to change the number on the scale, we resolved to change our direction.

Seeking answers in the Word, rather than in this world.

That we might find our identity in our Maker, not in the size of the clothing that hangs in our wardrobe.

For He wishes to grow us closer to His likeness ~ not to the likeness of a photo-shopped model selling yet another promise of youth.

…

Perhaps, instead of committing to growing our financial portfolio, we decided to boost our spiritual investments.

Investments of our time, our money, and our talents into the lives of others.

That we might find the joy that comes from serving.

The true, heart-warming, goose-bump giving satisfaction as we watch God move through us.

This year, we could pray for eyes that see, and ears that hear His calling.

To discern His will for us in the very places we find ourselves, and with whom our lives intersect.

…

As we organize our closets and de-clutter our homes, might we restructure our days to put Him first?

Our initial waking thought may be of gratitude for another day. A day to discover our precious, God-given gifts.

Creating space in our routine of days to put our Jesus first.

Spending time in Scripture to uncover the teachings.

Lessons that were given to us not as mere instructions for living ~ rather Holy words of wisdom meant to enhance our joy in this life.

To bring Glory to His Name.

Matthew 6:21

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

May this New Year be novel.

May our hearts be aligned with the greatest treasure of all.

The fortune that lies waiting for us in the arms of our Savior!

His grace and mercy are the only concepts that we need to understand in order to successfully navigate this coming year.

To successfully navigate this life.

For it is assuredly in Him, that we find a true resolution to the longing of our humble, human hearts.