Resolve

It comes again. Words. Ideas. Resolutions. Every year, written or thought, resolutions are made this time of year. To change. To be different. To leave the year a different person than when you entered. The New Year doesn't magically change you or shape you or make you new- but it is a good time for emptying pockets.... It was an old Jewish custom, one long forgotten by many. Fathers would take a break from plowing for a walk to the river. Mothers would pause a moment from their washing. And there beside the river pockets would be turned inside out and hearts would be emptied and left bare before the cleansing calm of the river and souls would have freedom to start again in the new year. Not just an outward emptying- but an emptying of souls for the filling of the Spirit and baring of hearts for the brush of the Master. Left barren of filth to be made beautiful. In this coming year, I have hopes and dreams, desires. All of us do. And I know not all of them will be accomplished and I will get discouraged and it won't be easy and every day has its challenges, but my resolve is this - to seek each day to follow after the Savior, more faithfully each passing day, growing in the radiance that only comes from Him. And I know that despite all my shortcomings and failings, I will have accomplished far more than the girl who determines to lose weight or the man who resolves to make more money. Because my resolve lies with the one who cares, the one who will not let me fall.

~"I am resolved no longer to linger, charmed by the world's delights- things that are higher, things that are nobler, these have allured my sight!"~