I don't pressure myself to necessarily participate in many aspects of most holidays.  At Christmas, for example, I ask the boys what traditions mean most to them--what they would like to do to celebrate.  If we get other things done, fine.  If not, fine too.  I'm slowly adapting to the limitations of my circumstances, and to my laid-back nature, and it's OK if I don't have photographs of every holiday on the books because we actually didn't do much for some of them.

But New Years . . . that's different.  I recently stated my view to a friend, that New Year's Resolutions are not a waste of time making promises to yourself that you don't intend to keep.  Instead, new years are fresh starts.  They are reminders to me that God lets us have regular do-overs . . . or at least try-agains. 

Tonight I got the following e-mail from a friend:

I didn't plan to write to you about "New Year's Resolutions."

In fact, I've sometimes disparaged them, preferring the term "goals"--partly because they're not linked to the calendar, but partly, I'm afraid, because they seem less intimidating.

Resolutions require--well, you know--resolve!

I've just read a blog post on the topic of resolutions--and especially resolve--by a dear friend, Lynn Bruce, who had a double mastectomy last fall. What a perspective!

Not only is she a cancer survivor, but she's also one of the most intelligent and literary women I've ever known.  (She's one of the founders of the wonderful free online Charlotte-Mason-based curriculum Ambleside Online.)

Please take a few moments now to read Lynn's compelling and convicting blog post about resolutions and resolve. Don't set it aside to read "later."

I went and read the blog post and found there a very eloquent and convincing case for the importance of not only making New Year's Resolutions, but of resolving to keep them.  So I encourage you to go NOW and read this wonderful entry.  Then do what I plan on doing this weekend--spend some lengthy, quality time alone with God, asking Him what His plans are for you this year.  Make those resolutions that He gives you, and plot out how you will keep them! 

Let's not waste our fresh starts on piddly, silly things.  Let's go for the Kingdom!