On The Making Of New Years Resolutions

The practice of making new years resolutions seems to get somewhat of a bad rap. Few people seem to take it seriously and every year one hears any number of jokes about it's sincerity and how long those resolutions will last. I have never really done this, made a New Years resolution. The idea always seemed a bit pretensive to me, not to mention somewhat proud.

Just take a look at the root of the word, resolution. It's resolve. Now that's a strong word. It speaks volumes, doesn't it? It resounds with deep undertones such as commitment and determination. It speaks of serious intent to make good on something. If one is going to resolve something, one had better give some deep thought as to the seriousness of the resolution and whether or not one has the strength to follow through.

Let's look at some of the definitions of the word resolve:

1. to come to a definite or earnest decision about; determine to do something.

2. to settle, determine, or state formally in a vote or resolution.

3. to clear away or dispel doubts, fears, etc.

I like that second one, to settle. That sounds decisive, stong, certian. It has a sense of surety about it.

This New Years, after wrestling with these things and giving much thought to what I would be willing to resolve to do, I made some resolutions. I resolved to persue a closer walk with The Lord and to work at being a better man, a better husband, a better father. And I resolved to treat others with more respect and dignity and to practice putting others first and self, last. Of course without the first of those resolutions, all the others are impossible to keep.

But maybe that's the point. Mere human strength is often not enough. We need to lean on the devine. One of my favorite scriptures says it best. "Those who wait upon The Lord will renew their strength. They shall mount up on wings as eagles. They shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31.

In the persuit of success in business as well as in life in general, one can achieve nothing unless one has resolve. And true resolve, the kind that can stay the course, comes from The Lord. I wish all who read this post a very happy, prosperous and faith filled, New Year.