January 2014

RESOLUTIONS AND PROMISES

[Our message for January has been written by the Magazine Editor with input from Richard Buckley. I would like to thank Richard for his input on this]

I understand that quite a lot of people still keep up the habit making New Year Resolutions. But how many of you keep your resolutions throughout the year? I start the year by making resolutions but I have never kept them. Oh, I start the year with good intentions, but by the time March comes along the enthusiasm has waned. Then, when the year is nearing its end, the feeling of regret often takes over for not having the conviction of carrying out my promises.

And saying goodbye to an old year and welcoming in a new one isn’t always easy. What lies ahead of us might seem rather overwhelming, and what’s behind us might still linger on, leaving feelings of confusion, uncertainty, even resentment. It is natural though to worry about the unknown. And equally normal to be sorry to end what may have been a particularly happy twelve months. However, go on we must.

We have this need to see the whole picture, to understand everything. Well, we can’t but that’s not up to us.

Step forward positively, trusting that everything is seen and understood. Greet the New Year with the words of Dag Hammarskjold: “For all that has been, thanks. For all that will be, yes.”

What about our Near Year resolutions and promises to God? Do we make them? Do we keep them? Do we promise to study our bibles more often; do we pray at home, do we ask God for guidance? If we wish to grow in our Christian life and to keep growing as believers then we should make promises and keep them.

A small hint perhaps is to resolve to do something one really wants to do. Isn't that wrong, though? Aren't resolutions meant to be about difficult things? I'm not sure they are. God wants the best for us – and so do we! So, if it's a resolution about faith, put aside thoughts of whatever it is you have failed to achieve, year after year. And think of something you've always promised yourself – to try a quiet day or a retreat, to attend evensong at York Minster, or to get the congregation interested in supporting your favourite charity. Because it is something close to your heart, you have a far better chance of ending the year not with regrets, but with a feeling of pleasure and achievement.

Remember a child's triumph at taking their first steps, learning to talk, or reading a book on their own? They have an unaffected delight in these developmental milestones, and each time it helps them to move on confidently to the next step. Hitting a target can have a similar effect in our Christian lives. And, just like a parent, God will rejoice with us!

Many thanks for the input from Richard Buckley