“resolve”  to find an answer to.  to make clear or understandable.  to reach a firm decision about.

“resolution”  something that is resolved.

“revolution”  a fundamental change in the way of thinking about or visualizing something:  a change of paradigm.

     I am thinking about resolutions for 2023.  I have already bought a membership to the gym, eliminated soda from my diet, and made some changes in how to balance my work, social, and family life.  It is a lot to ponder, and I always get excited about the opportunity for a fresh start and new beginnings.  But, somehow, I believe my list might be a little shallow and there has to be a deeper meaning when it comes to making resolutions.

     I decided to do a little research on this subject, and I found this definition from Wikipedia quite interesting.  “A New Year’s resolution is a tradition, most common in the Western World but also found in the Eastern World, in which a person resolves to continue good practices, change an undesired trait or behavior, accomplish a personal goal, or otherwise improve their behavior at the beginning of a calendar year.”  So, what I believe I am being told is that a resolution gives us the opportunity to set new goals and dream of personal achievements.  Yet it also gives us the chance to eradicate bad behaviors, while continuing the good practices we exhibit in our daily lives.

     Ah, now the wheels are rolling!  I need to make goals that are clear and understandable.  They must be concrete and well thought out.  But overall, they should be life changing…not just for myself, but for everyone I am involved with.  Not only should these goals be resolutions to things I want to resolve, they should also be a continuance of things I am doing well.  And when I am thinking about the resolutions I want to make for 2023, I should make them with the hope that they can become a revolution that changes the way I think and gives me a better perspective on life and my encounters with all of God’s children.

     Maybe I should start with this.  Love over hate.  When I am out and about in this mixed-up world, I often experience people who are exhausted, angry, and confused.  They lash out when the smallest of behaviors occur, and I am surprised at the cursing, intolerance, and violence that explodes.  So instead of feeding into the rationalities that induce hate, I believe I have the opportunity to turn the other cheek, forgive all wrongdoings, and ask for grace when I make a mistake.  I can choose to love in every situation, both good and bad, and have the hope that this love is contagious enough to start a shift in the way people treat one another.

     How about this?  Being inclusive over exclusive.  My entire life I have felt like I am not part of “the club.”  I was either not rich enough, athletic enough, smart enough, or pretty enough to be included.  I always felt like an outsider, and I understand the hurtful emotions that come from feeling left out.  So, I can choose to make sure I am open to everyone that wants to be involved.  My doors shall be inviting and welcoming, and there shall be a hope that the light radiating inside draws others closer to Christ.

     I like this one as well.  Sharing over hoarding.  God has blessed my family and I with abundances.  Sometimes those abundances may be in the form of monetary gains, and sometimes those abundances may be in the form of good health, great friendships, and amazing experiences.  God is not asking me to hold on to those abundances so that my life can be enriched above others.  No, he is telling me there is hope in sharing those abundances with those less fortunate so they too can live a life that makes them happy and thankful for what he provides.

     How about reading the bible and praying over wasting time on social media sites?  I can promise you this.  I have never felt ashamed or useless when I have spent time in The Word.  God’s messages are always refreshing and thought provoking.  And when I have shut down the distractions this world seems to push, I am filled with The Holy Spirit and ready to take on whatever may come my way.  He gives me a hope that every prayer and every message is heard so I can go out and share his redemption with anyone who has an open ear.

     I could go on and on, but here is my hope for the new year.  I pray that your resolutions bring you good health, prosperity, and happiness.  I pray that you can reflect on 2022 and be thankful for all of God’s blessings.  But most of all, I pray that you understand the influence you can have on others in this life.  I pray you have faith that a revolution can be started when you choose love, sacrifice, and forgiveness.  And I pray that you are willing to dig a little deeper, spend some time in God’s Word, and allow others to see your light so they too can experience the precious gifts our Savior so freely gives.  Happy New Year, and I hope your resolutions start a revolution!