Break out resolutions
It is not too early to start thinking about New Year’s Resolutions. Jan. 1, 2019, is less than three weeks away, and it is time for us all to plan and prepare for that New Year. Toward the end of December, many of us think about what we have done with our time during the current year, and we decide it is time to make some changes.
The New Year is always a good time to reflect what we have done in the past, with hopes to improve what we do in the future. That’s what we call “New Year’s Resolutions.” I cannot remember a time when the New Year arrived and I did not want to make some kind of improvement for myself.
Most times it was something I should have been doing all along. Often it is something I am doing, but I want to improve it, like reading my Bible more or being better about writing letters and staying in touch with friends and family.
A New Year’s Resolution is intended to be something that is doable. If we don’t resolve to do something that can reasonably be done, then there is absolutely no point in making that commitment. Many folks say they don’t make New Year’s resolutions, because they always break them anyway. Why does that happen? Because they have resolved to do (or not do) something that is unrealistic anyway. They know it cannot be done, or they are not willing to commit doing it.
I have heard people make resolutions like, “I’m going to lose weight” or “I’m going to be a better person.” Bah! If you are making a resolution of that kind, I am here to say, it is likely not to happen. (Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.) Your resolution is too vague, and it seems to be without a plan. If you are resolving to do those things, start that right now. Why wait until Jan. 1?
People make all kinds of resolutions for the New Year. Here is one resolution I made in the past, which I actually accomplished. I decided I would send birthday cards throughout the year to all friends and family. This extended beyond my immediate family and close friends. I gathered together all those birthday cards I had purchased over the years and never sent, and combined them with all those I received over the years from charity organizations. I developed a birthday list, and I committed to this task. It was very rewarding.
One important note about this resolution, in case this sounds like one you would like to do, I already know that the post office has made a 2019 New Year’s Resolution to increase the postage. On Jan. 27, 2019, the postage price to send a First Class Mail letter (1 oz.) will increase five cents to $.55. I can guarantee the post office will not break this resolution, so be sure to purchase those Forever stamps before that date so you can get them for the bargain price of 50 cents each.
I have one more thought I would like to share about making New Year’s Resolutions. If you decide to commit to something on Jan. 1, 2019, in the form of a New Year’s Resolution, consider a task that not only can be reasonably accomplished, but one in which someone else can benefit. This will make your resolution more meaningful, and it will be your contribution to the improvement of our world.
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“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
— Romans 12:2
