Setting New Year's Resolutions - Rethinking How it is Done

As another New Year approaches, many are stepping back and reassessing their lives, purpose and goals. This assessment many times comes in the form of setting New Year's resolutions. This year, the pulse/mindset of the nation is shown in the popularity and success of movies such as The Pursuit of Happyness, Dreamgirls and the upcoming movie Rocky Balboa in which Rocky comes out of retirement in pursuit of glory/success once again. All of these movies have the same general/overall theme - a man/woman has a dream that they are passionate about, they go for it, run into many obstacles but are determined to never give up, and in that pursuit they achieve the goal that they have long dreamed of. We are all inspired by such stories, especially as we come to the closing of another year and begin to plan for the upcoming year.

It is said that the custom of making New Year's resolutions came about over 4,000 years ago and is derived from Babylonian culture. Although Babylonia is known for barbarism and hedonism, it appears that they may have had a good idea in establishing New Year's resolutions. Nevertheless, it is important to note that their resolutions were very different from ours. They resolved to bring an end to a problem or matter; for example, they might resolve to forgive the debt of a friend who owed them money, or to return an item they'd borrwed from a neighbor. They might also resolve to make amends with a loved one that they'd had a disagreement with, or to clean out their house and possibly give away items they were not using.

Most Americans today will make some of the same resolutions they've made over the last 5-10 years; i.e. - lose weight, get out of debt, start a business, save/invest money, go back to school and the like. Many of these resolutions will be goals set to try and help one to attain their lifetime dream (like in the movies spoken of earlier), but not one's necessarily of moral fiber. This year how about rethinking those New Year's resolutions? The reality is that none of us our promised tomorrow. How many people do you know that were here last year but are gone this year? Thus, I propose that we make resolutions that lead us toward simply being better. Here are some examples and/or suggestions -

* Resolve to be a better parent by correcting problems that you know are a hinderance to your relationship with your children; i.e., spending more time with them, more patience, being a better listener.
* Resolve to be a better spouse and to correct problems that are hinderances in your relationship, i.e., being careful to encourage and not criticize, putting your spouses needs/desires before your own, showing more appreciation for your spouse.
* Resolve to write your governmental representatives to make your voice heard.
* Resolve to seek after truth concerning God and your relationship to Him.
* Resolve to attempt to make peace with anyone you're not at peace with.
* Resolve to clean your home and give away anything that you have not used in the last year.
* Resolve to end unhealthy/unfruitful relationships.
* Resolve to change/improve your diet and exercise regularly instead of resolving to lose weight.
* Resolve to get in contact with some old friends you've been meaning to get in touch with for years.

Take this time to really assess what is truly important to you. Consider the last 30 minutes of your life. What would be your regrets if you had only 30 minutes left live. These are the things you want to try and get resolved this year.