I was feeling pretty good as I gave the bathroom sink a final swipe and stood back to admire my handiwork. "What are you doing?" asked my daughter as she strolled past.
"New Years resolution," I responded. "I've resolved to clean the bathroom every day and this is my second day in a row."
"But . . . Mom . . . the new year hasn't even started yet."
"Yeah, I know that, but I have to get some practice in first," I quipped brightly. (All I got for my hard work and sharp wit here was that well-known Traditional Eye Roll.)
Ah, New Years resolutions. The new year spreads before us. . . a clean canvas, a fresh start. We feel empowered to control the weight, to conquer the clutter, to cope with the chaos. Let the fifes toot and the drums roll as we march forward into battle.
There was a time in our country's history known as the Revolutionary War period when the American colonists were struggling to free themselves from the burden and oppression of unfair taxation. In this same manner, we want to declare freedom from the tyranny of whatever personal vices make us feel ensnared. Time for New Years resolutions.
Similar to the troops in that historical war, we march off to battle, uniforms sharp, the music inspirational and optimism high. But not too far down the road, the climate turns dismal and the landscape unforgiving. We meet the enemy. Resolve gets the jitters.
Hmmm. What were we thinking here anyway? What made us think it would work this time? Come to think of it, were we even thinking at all?
I believe in the fresh starts of this season as much as I believe in the Wonder of the Nativity celebration we have just passed. This is the year that I will finally manage to make my body at least resemble the one that carried my soul around never-mind-how-many years ago. My house will be company-ready at all times, the meals I serve will be tempting and healthy cost effective works of delight. I won't be late for anything the entire year, my check book will be perfectly balanced and speaking of balances, there will be a healthy one of those in my check book at all times. I will . . . .
It occurs to me that the list is getting long and improbable and I still haven't even mentioned all that time I plan to spend with the Lord. Hmmm . . . After giving this some thought, I have decided that spending more time with the Lord will be my one and only resolution.
His Grace is sufficient for me. Through Him everything that is necessary will fall into place, and the rest never mattered in the first place.
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It is an outstanding piece of work. Each idea seems to relate to the other and words so well chosen to make a simple thought so profound in its delivery.
