Resolved To Sip Soda
I'm not much of a New's Years resolution type of girl. Never have been. It's not that I'm against having goals. Goals are good. Historically, resolutions had a moral bend: to do good to others and that sort of thing. Some modern resolutions just seem kind of senseless. Like, I'm going to take more pictures, or catch up on my scrapbooking. Or this one: I'm not going to drink soda (or "pop" for all my Mid-West readers) for an entire year. Why? I get the whole health thing. But a couple sips of soda every once in awhile is not going to harm anyone.
Speaking of health. It's amazing how many New's Years resolutions revolve around this issue. Every sales ad during the first few weeks of January is advertising exercise equipment, fitness wear, and running shoes. Not to mention the big push for gym memberships, weight loss plans, and diet books. I think these companies are the ones who created New Year's resolutions. :)
Part of the reason I don't like New's Years resolutions, is the long term aspect of it. I prefer to set my goals in smaller doses. For me, it's easier to say that I'm not going to eat junk food TODAY, instead of proclaiming to not eat junk food for an entire year. I suppose I just don't want to set myself up for failure. And really, when the See's Candy comes out at Christmas time, you can bet that I'll have my fingers on the first Dark Chocolate Marshmallow Carmel Patty available. And I prefer to enjoy my chocolate without guilt.
And why should we resolve to make changes only at the beginning of the year? I get the whole idea of a fresh start. A new beginning. Out with the old, in with the new. But January 1st is only a date on the calendar. Who says you can't start eating healthy on February 9th? Or start reading through your Bible on June 12th? Or start "living crazy" on September 1st?
After reading the definition of "resolution", I kind of like the word. The synonyms of "resolution" are: resolve, determination, perserverance, tenacity, strength, fortitude. All notable words. Attitudes that would be near and dear to our Puritan forefathers hearts. The word "resolve" means: to come to a determination; to make up one's mind. And I think here is the biggest rub for me.
Most New Year's resolutions are made with the mindset that "I" am going to accomplish X, Y, or Z. They leave out the most important part. They leave out the fact that we can accomplish nothing apart from our faithful God. It is not through our own determination or perserverance or fortitude that we "resolve". It is only through Him who gives us all strength. I Corinthians 1:25 says, "The foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength." We can do nothing without the strength of God to help us "resolve".
Sitting at the dinner table last week, the family had a discussion about New Year's resolutions. We all agreed not to make one. Instead, with God's help, we hope to live out Duet. 6:4-10. And not just for for this year, but for years to come as well.
And even though I do prefer water, I don't mind a sip of soda ever once in awhile. So for 2012, I resolve to continue sipping soda. And maybe looking into the price of a new pair of running shoes. :)
Have a blessed day!
Speaking of health. It's amazing how many New's Years resolutions revolve around this issue. Every sales ad during the first few weeks of January is advertising exercise equipment, fitness wear, and running shoes. Not to mention the big push for gym memberships, weight loss plans, and diet books. I think these companies are the ones who created New Year's resolutions. :)
Part of the reason I don't like New's Years resolutions, is the long term aspect of it. I prefer to set my goals in smaller doses. For me, it's easier to say that I'm not going to eat junk food TODAY, instead of proclaiming to not eat junk food for an entire year. I suppose I just don't want to set myself up for failure. And really, when the See's Candy comes out at Christmas time, you can bet that I'll have my fingers on the first Dark Chocolate Marshmallow Carmel Patty available. And I prefer to enjoy my chocolate without guilt.
And why should we resolve to make changes only at the beginning of the year? I get the whole idea of a fresh start. A new beginning. Out with the old, in with the new. But January 1st is only a date on the calendar. Who says you can't start eating healthy on February 9th? Or start reading through your Bible on June 12th? Or start "living crazy" on September 1st?
After reading the definition of "resolution", I kind of like the word. The synonyms of "resolution" are: resolve, determination, perserverance, tenacity, strength, fortitude. All notable words. Attitudes that would be near and dear to our Puritan forefathers hearts. The word "resolve" means: to come to a determination; to make up one's mind. And I think here is the biggest rub for me.
Most New Year's resolutions are made with the mindset that "I" am going to accomplish X, Y, or Z. They leave out the most important part. They leave out the fact that we can accomplish nothing apart from our faithful God. It is not through our own determination or perserverance or fortitude that we "resolve". It is only through Him who gives us all strength. I Corinthians 1:25 says, "The foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength." We can do nothing without the strength of God to help us "resolve".
Sitting at the dinner table last week, the family had a discussion about New Year's resolutions. We all agreed not to make one. Instead, with God's help, we hope to live out Duet. 6:4-10. And not just for for this year, but for years to come as well.
And even though I do prefer water, I don't mind a sip of soda ever once in awhile. So for 2012, I resolve to continue sipping soda. And maybe looking into the price of a new pair of running shoes. :)
Have a blessed day!
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