We don’t need another list of resolutions, we need revelations
Suzanne Elizabeth Anderson
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12-14)
I woke up Monday, January 2nd, with an urge to spend the day organizing, making resolutions to eat clean, learn Tai Chi (maybe if I developed balance I’d stop falling over and breaking my arms and elbows), organize the house, and deepen my spiritual practices.
Which is weird because when I woke up on January 1st, I resolved that this year I was through with New Year’s resolutions.
That one day I had been so adamant about not making resolutions and then doing a complete 180 then very next day gave me pause.
Why the change of heart?
A couple thoughts come to mind: First, I am an optimist. No matter how much I am subject to ruminations of doom and gloom more than I’d like to admit, beneath that I am a real optimist. I believe that things will get better eventually.
Second, I believe that writing out our goals is essential to planning our path forward. Unless we clearly and thoughtfully outline what we want to achieve we will waste an enormous amount of time going down blind alleys.
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)
As I pondered the why of my desire for resolutions, it occurred to me that I was actually seeking revelations!
What is the difference?
Here’s an example:
A resolution would be, that for the tenth year in a row, I resolve that I want to lose weight.
A revelation would be that I want to enjoy a long and active life. One part of making that happen is eating healthy (not a number on a scale) and finding activities I enjoy so I help my body to achieve my goal.
Huge difference!
My revelation: a long and active life makes healthy choices fun and realistic.
The same principle applies to my spiritual life.
A few years ago, I bought one of those Bible-in-a-year Bibles and determined to read my way through it. I did, but honestly, other than a feeling of accomplishment, it didn’t do a great deal to help me achieve a closer relationship with God or deepen my faith.
Instead, this year I am beginning to learn Lectio Divina, a method of studying scripture prayerfully to deepen not only my understanding of God’s Word, but especially to deepen my relationship with God.
I look forward to sharing what I learn with you in the coming year.
What resolutions can you turn into revelations this year?
Please share one in the comments!
Read Previous Post