New Year Resolve

Many of us have grown accustomed to a New Year’s first few weeks. Sometimes a hopeful-new-then-disappointing pattern surfaces … when optimism and good intentions quickly collide with old habits and reality.

Early January resolutions come with firm resolve that this year will truly be different … only to upset the applecart just days or weeks later by succumbing to familiar shortcomings.

So …  we miss a day on our 5-or-10K-step Fitbit goal; our TV-watching creeps above our new maximum threshold; we eat more than we should; we miss a day of Bible reading; we unnecessarily correct our spouse.

Of course, we know we should get right back in the saddle after getting knocked off our New Year’s prize show horse. But that once-invigorating saddle climb can feel a little less exhilarating the second and third time around. Self-doubt weighs us down as we struggle to get our feet back in the stirrups.

Truth is, we are called to daily pick up our cross and live for Christ. It’s a daily walk, not an annual pilgrimage.

We find that encouraging. Let’s not beat ourselves up over yesterday’s missteps. Let’s do better right now … today. “Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” Lamentations 3:23 (NLT)

Even with occasional setbacks, let’s stay optimistic as we face this new year.

Let's set some good goals and live lives that count.  May God bless you each new day in 2018!