New Year – New Hope – New Beginning – New Enthusiasm – New Resolution. January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December. This is the axis around which our life rotates. January appears to be the beginning of our struggle, while December seems to be a period of repose from the fatigue of the year. If you are among those who are opportune to embrace this year, then you have every reason to thank God for such grace, because you have been granted another opportunity to continue your just actions and to make amendments (collectively and individually). To amend means to put in more effort, to correct, to ameliorate, to be willing to learn, to be more serious, to be more involved in changing your life and society at large, to contribute positively to the well-being of the entire society, to be more active, to be more but moderately optimistic and to be God-oriented. Amendment is an overhauling process.
Generally, it is with the intention of accomplishing the above that many if not all, at the beginning of each year (popularly named New Year), make what is normally called “Resolution” or “New Year Resolution.” The problem with this so-called resolution is that many do not comprehend the implications and even make more than one thereby, declaring from the onset their inability and unwillingness to live up to their decisions. Resolution is decision. To be resolved to…, is to decide to…. For New Year resolution to be realistic and credible, it should not exceed one. There are some who resolve to embrace the truth; to be just; to spend more time with their families; to pay more attention to their health; to cut their coat according their size; to quit smoking, drinking and waywardness; to enjoy life more; to get out of debt; to learn something new; to abandon their evil way; to begin to live the way they should live; to assist others especially the less privileged; to be more committed; to be more matured and responsible; to be more organized; to be closer to God; and recently, here in Nigeria, to avoid MMM or its equivalents, etc.
There are even people who resolve not to waste their time with the past. Instead, they spend their time worrying about the future. Not to worry about the past is good. But to preoccupy oneself with the future is even worse. Instead of moving between the past and the future, one should learn to live in the present. If you can live your present well, do what you should do now, you will not have much to regret about your past and your future will be positively guaranteed. Today (now), not yesterday, not tomorrow, is the new beginning. Make adequate use of it. The present is God’s appointed time for, treasure and ponder this in your heart and you will understand its deeper and true significance. Deciding to take appropriate care of my present is also a very good resolution. Thanks to 2016, I now know how to live 2017. Every year is a blessing. To the blessings of 2017, I will now add that of 2017. Marvelous!
Whatever your New Year resolution is or might be, learn to live in the present. The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you this year and always. The Lord look upon you kindly and grant you peace. May you be blessed both now and forever. Amen! Wishing you a fruitful and peaceful 2017! Shalom!