Resolutions, Review, Reality… and my Response

Resolutions: It’s a New Year with New Resolutions. Some friends, pleased to see the back of 2024 are hoping that 2025 is better, facing it with renewed determination, looking forward to fresh opportunities, starting again, moving on to the next chapter of their lives.

A friend was telling me… ‘My New Year’s resolution for 2024 was to lose ten pounds. I’m doing pretty well. I’ve only got fifteen pounds to go…’

Review: Yesterday was spent clearing the lounge; decorating the lounge is starting today. Pictures and curtains were taken down, ornaments put in boxes, a bookcase was moved. The colour of the walls will change… some ornaments and books will go to the charity shop. When the decorating is finished carpet and furniture will be cleaned…

Review in the home, in life, involves replacing, renovating, renewing what’s been there in the past… having the wisdom to know what of the old to keep, what to modify or improve, and what to get rid of…

Reality: This morning I read the story of Noah. He was a good man but the flood still came; his responsibilities to and beyond his family didn’t go away. There was no human or divine lifeboat to rescue him; he had to get through it.

For many of my friends, however impressive their resolutions, however thorough their review, in 2025 they will still face their personal floods. Some they’re in now, some they can see like a tsunami on the horizon, some will arrive unannounced.

My Response: Often resolutions or reviews aren’t adequate preparation for personal floods… I see many experts, on-shore critics, sitting on their calm, dry shore, advising my friends how they should cope with and respond to their flood…

My friends aren’t wrecks to be salvaged, problems to be analysed and solved, ignorant sailors to be advised and taught. I can best help them by joining them in their flood, with a listening ear, a humble spirit, and consistent loyalty.