Resolutions, Intentions and Wishes

In this new year in which my sole resolution was to write more, I'm struggling to write.  I suspect the old boy in the image above might have some pungent commentary regarding my resolution.

What is the reason that causes us to fail in implementing our resolutions?  I suspect it is simply the root of the word itself -- resolve.  We fail for lack of resolve.  That leaves two solutions: 1) don't make resolutions for which you haven't already developed the resolve to complete or, 2) develop some resolve!

I think all of us have good intentions.  That is what most lists of New Year's resolutions is in reality, a list of good intentions.  I'm sure there is a legal definition of intent because it is a word used in certain criminal charges such as "intent to kill."  I'm thinking of the word more in the way of a wish perhaps?  We all wish to be better and to do the things we know we should do, but we fail to back that wish with "intent" or, better yet, "purpose."  We merely think that by wishing a thing it will be so.

I suspect many of you who made resolutions for the new year are experiencing similar struggles with executing on those "wishes."  I believe the best approach is to adopt a resolution of working on one thing at a time, throughout the year, throughout your life.  We all know of areas in which we need to improve.  For some, it might be a simple bad habit such as failing to take out the trash on a regular basis.  For others, it might be some destructive behavior such as smoking, or eating too much.  The key is to select a single area for improvement and to focus on changing your attitude and your behavior in incremental steps.  Set goals regarding that behavior.

For me and my goal of writing, it is to set aside a period of time each day in which I write.  I already have that time and you are reading the result.  This is because of a resolution that I set about 1 1/2 years ago.  The next step in that journey of "writing more" is to set aside an additional period of time each day in which to write -- not merely just to assemble words on a blank page, but to focus on something a little more in-depth than the daily post to this blog or, journal if you prefer to call it such.

It might not actually seem to be contributory, but I have read more the last couple of days.  Reading what others have written can help develop one's own writing skills.  The words of others provide examples of structure, style and content which may or, may not be applied to one's own work.  One of the things I am reading currently is a diary kept by Captain Harry C. Butcher, USNR, called "My Three Years With Eisenhower."  It covers the years 1942 through 1945.  If you know anything of history, you will immediately associate that period of time with Eisenhower's role in World War II as the Commander of Allied Forces in Europe.  If you are a student of WWII, I highly recommend the book.  It is highly readable.  My daughter loaned it to me some time back and I am just now getting around to reading it.

Anyway, back to resolutions, intentions and wishes; it is still early in the year.  Don't set them aside just yet, but realize that changing habits is difficult.  The best approach is the incremental one.  Also, expect to fail, but understand that failure, in the case of changing habits at least, doesn't need to be permanent.  It's like falling down; don't just lay there on the sidewalk complaining, get up, brush off, staunch the bleeding and get back to it.  We all carry scars.

Now, to schedule additional writing time today....

The Cycle of Change

I've heard it said that the way we start a new year sets the pattern for the coming year.  If that's the case, it will be one of getting up early!

There's a certain symmetry to writing 2020.  I realize after looking at the image above that I might should have spent a little more time and "drawn" it rather than writing.  It is a little sloppy.  I'm sure someone who is versed in analyzing handwriting will have something to say about the way I failed to close my O's.

I'm sure that many of you have resolutions for the coming year.  If you are so inclined, please comment with some of them -- they must be suitable for all audiences.  If you are not so disposed, that's okay as well.  My list is short this year; write more.  Yes, as I write this I am acknowledging that I need to write more -- no, not necessarily longer posts on this blog, but serious writing.

I wonder what this new decade will bring?  The History Channel says: "In the Roaring Twenties, a surging economy created an era of mass consumerism, as Jazz-Age flappers flouted Prohibition laws and the Harlem Renaissance redefined arts and culture."  Will the 2020's be a repeat?  After all, we are seeing a strong economy and "mass consumerism" is definitely the norm.

If you look back to the 1820's there were some interesting things happening.  Maine and Missouri became states, President Monroe announced the Monroe Doctrine, Moses Austin and his son Stephen F. Austin were establishing a settlement at San Felipe in the Mexican state of Texas, Napoleon died on the island of St. Helena, aluminum was discovered and the Rosetta Stone was translated.  Oh, and the Democratic Party was created.  That one is particularly interesting since they broke off from the Democratic-Republican Party over Andrew Jackson who was much like our current President in that he was supported by the rural parts of the country and known for his stubbornness which gave rise to the donkey as the symbol of the Democratic party.  My how history runs in cycles.  I expect a new party to break off from the Democratic party in the 2020's; it will be the Democratic Socialists.  It will occur after backlash over the rising socialist tendencies creates a split within the party.  It might happen as early as the next election cycle.

Also, in 1826, the first photographs were taken and in 1829, a patent for the "first typewriter" was filed.  There is some question as to it actually being the first, but it is the first that was well documented.  Both of those inventions contributed to this morning's post.  It is amazing to me that both have been replaced by the hand-held computers we carry around with us everywhere we go which are known as cell phones.  I suspect that name will soon be replaced by something more encompassing of their functionality.

What will the decade of the 2020's bring?  Any predictions out there?  Will we return to the moon?  Make it to Mars?  Will we see the 30's bring another depression such as followed the 1920's?  Perhaps the 2030's will be more like the 1830's and Texas will secede -- this time from the U.S. rather than from Mexico.

Enough of the prognostication.  Maybe I should add a resolution to focus more on the present?  I like science fiction too much for that.  I also like history.  Maybe if we balance the two....

The Road to Resolution

Once again we start a new year filled with the resolve to do better, be better, to improve.  Some make lists and place them in a prominent place as a reminder of the commitment; others merely list things in their head of ways they need to improve.

Resolutions are a good thing.  The desire to improve is something rooted deep within us.  We want to change those things we see as being less than what our desires inform us are not up to standard.

Perhaps the best thing we can do is to examine why we feel the way we do.  What puts the desire to improve in our hearts and minds?  I believe it is God.  I believe he plants those desires in order to help us recognize our failures.  They remind us that we can never measure up to the standard of perfection which we inherently recognize.  They cause us to recognize our imperfections.

This recognition of our imperfection is the root of a change that causes all other things to fade.  It is the recognition that "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God."  It is a point of challenge to those who would lift up man as the standard and say that all things are achievable by our own effort.  It is a point of decision in which we can say, "I will choose God's way and not my own for I know that I am imperfect; my decisions are imperfect; I fail."

I pray this is the year in which you would choose the One who never fails.  If you do not know Jesus as Savior, choose Him.  It isn't an easy road.  YOU will still fail, but HE will be there to pick you back up and keep you pointed on the road to redemption.

Resolve this new year to follow Jesus on whatever path He leads.

Are You Making the World a Better Place?

In scanning through the writing prompts included in the book I received for Christmas, I found one that stood out.  It is this:  "Are you making the world a better place?"  It is a question I have asked myself through the years.  Another form of it is:  "Are you making a positive difference with your life?"

I think as most of us age, we question this about the life we have lived.  The young are often out to conquer the world, those in middle age are "surviving" and the old begin to wonder what it was all about.  This last day of the year seems a good one to reflect on such things.  After all, the old saying that "today is the first day of the rest of your life" is accurate.  Change begins with a decision.

I would like to think that I have had a positive influence here and there.  I certainly haven't "conquered the world" as I once thought I might.  I do hope that some word or, deed along the way helped someone to have a better day.  After all, in the end it is the accumulation of tiny things that truly makes a difference.  Rarely is it the big things.

This, the last day of the year is a good time to reflect and to give thought to the coming year.  I ask myself, "How can I make the coming year one of positive impact?  What can I do to help others in this journey?"

I like to think that my writing is a positive influence.  It is a way that I can reach beyond my limited daily contact.  It can be a force for good (I'm being optimistic here in thinking at least a handful of people actually read what I write.) 

As a first step toward the new year, I pledge to continue writing, to the extent possible, on a daily basis.  I will attempt to make my messages positive and affirming -- uplifting to others.  That will not always be the case, because there are times, I know from experience, when I will be led to write something that is perhaps a recitation of events that may serve the purpose of letting someone know they are not alone in what has happened to them.  We sometimes need to simply know that others suffer, others deal with problems.

Reflection is important, but movement forward a necessity.  So, I ask you, how will you make the world a better place?

An Impulse for Resolution

As we approach the New Year, the thoughts of many turn to Resolutions.  Such resolutions often include things like losing weight, exercising more, saving money, or any of a million other things directed at "better" behavior.

What drives this impulse for Resolutions?  Is it a knowledge that we are less than our best?  Is it a result of fear that our unchanged behavior will result in unpleasant consequence?  Is it something deeper?  Is it an impulse ingrained deeply within that tells us we can rise above our current nature?

Beyond the drive for improving oneself, however, must be a force in opposition to that impulse.  Why else would we almost universally fail in our endeavors?

That isn't to say that there aren't victories.  But, it has been my observation that a victorious resolution is almost always accompanied by failure in a new and often unexpected area.

Is it merely human nature that gives us both the impulse to improve and yet causes us to face new and unexpected challenges?  I don't think so.  I think that we are so absorbed by "ourselves" that we fail to see a much bigger picture.  I think it is part of the cosmic battle between good and evil, right and wrong, growth and decay, God and Satan.

Could it be that God plants in our human nature a desire to be like Him?  If so, it is only expected that Satan would oppose that desire. 

Some belief systems would have us accept that there must always be a balance between opposing forces.  I've never been one to accept the status quo.  I believe in victory.  I believe good will ultimately defeat evil.  I believe that right will overcome wrong.  I believe that each individual can grow as long as they are nourished properly.  I believe that life can overcome death.  Fortunately, the Author of Life has provided the way.

John 14:6

⁶ Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me...."

John 16:33

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Another Year

Once more we come
To the end of a year
And such a year it has been!

Just hold on to your hat
'Cause the things unleashed
May be the worst we've ever seen!

It is a time for reflection,
A time to make plans,
A time to be thankful for friends.

It is a time to decide
Where your priorities lie
As this old year quietly ends.

As you're making your list
Of Resolutions next year
There is one thing you need to include;

That is time for your God --
To "get right" with Him
Because only He seeks your good.