Commitment or Resolution?

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. Proverbs 23:18

As a child I remember New Year’s Eve as a very special family time. My parents would first let us stay up until midnight; it was a true time of celebration. It always felt like it was the beginning of a wondrous time- that continued from the Christmas celebration. I don’t remember all the activities that we did but it was definitely family time! We used the same noise makers for several years. One was a dancing pineapple that spun around in circles and played music (long before all the moving/animated toys of today); a banana riding a tricycle moving toy and my Chinese twirling drum with tiny bells that would hit the drums. My father would make us each a special drink to cheer in the New Year, Seven-up with a little cherry flavoring, or coke with a little chocolate. They were served in Mom’s special event glasses and a straw was always included to top it off as an official cheer beverage.

Now as the New Year’s Eve’s passing much more rapidly than in my childhood, I can’t say I have enjoyed them as much as I did in my childhood. In the last few years I have wondered how to bring the excitement and hope back into the event. I had found over the years that making new year resolutions was not much of an accomplishment because so many years I didn’t complete them. Did I not complete them because I didn’t really find it as important as I had, or was it because I chose the many common ones that others choose each year such as going on a diet, exercise more just to make a resolution?  I decided not to make resolutions for a few years. 

I now find that at the end of each year and beginning of the New Year I don’t make resolutions as I did, but I recommit myself to follow the path the Lord has set before me. I remind myself to be more thankful for the many blessings each day. This may include just the fact that He made a beautiful sky like a painting for me to see. The time I get to spend with family and friends. I opened my life to include new adventures for me such as writing these devotions which is something I had never done before. I was given the opportunity to volunteer in the church and other places to build new friendships. I find I am more committed to follow through not just through the New Year but throughout my lifetime. Each day I find myself with more blessings in recommitting myself to listen for His path or maybe His resolutions.

Prayer: Dear Lord, open my eyes that I may see, open my ears that I may hear, open my senses that I may feel your glory. Open my heart that I may find the many blessings that you have prepared for me that I may miss. Thank you for each second, minute, hour and year that I am blessed to enjoy those around me and the life around me that you have provided. In Jesus name I pray Amen.

Lori Hood (reprinted from 2018)