A new year offers new beginnings

The practice of making New Year’s resolutions is anything but recent. In fact, it goes back over 3,000 years to the ancient Babylonians, who set new year pledges (later known as resolutions) that were intertwined with religion, mythology, power and socioeconomic values.

There is, of course, no difference between Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. However, there is something about the start of a new year that gives us the feeling of a fresh start and a new beginning. Setting and achieving goals can give us a sense of control over our lives and activate hope for a better life.

Common resolutions include self-improvement goals such as losing weight, perhaps by exercising more often or quitting smoking or drinking. Many Christians resolve to read the bible more often.

Our goals for the New Year can both include what we want for ourselves and what we seek for the world – how we can put the central biblical command to “love your neighbour” into action.

Scripture affirms the value of even small actions: “Whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple – truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward” (Matthew 10:42). Matthew 25 says that what we do for the imprisoned, the sick, the lonely, the destitute, we do for God. We either visit them and walk with them in their life journey – which means that we see their humanity – or we don’t. The choice is ours. But how we act matters. We can only affect so much, but we must do what we can. We have choices to make.

The message of Matthew 25 resonates with me because a few months ago I spent nearly a month in hospital after a bad fall led to two fractures. That injury and its repercussions involved the worst experience of my life. One thing that sustained me during this difficult time were the people who came to visit me, including a few from my church, who usually arrived with tasty food and good coffee. Their actions may seem modest, but they meant so much to me.

Many of us, including me, have spent much time during the past year “thinking big.” That is, thinking about major issues such as the climate crisis, growing numbers of Canadians reliant on foodbank handouts, a worsening housing crisis, rampant loneliness, and a divisive mood in our body politic. Perhaps as we think about the year ahead, this is a time for “thinking small” as much as “thinking big.” Rather than being overwhelmed by the world’s big picture, we can focus on things we can do in our own lives.

Something else that can guide our decision-making about resolutions, before zeroing in on any specific ones, is to ask ourselves a few basic questions. What do I really care about? How do I want to use my time? What do I feel God is calling me to do? The answers can help point the way ahead for us.

Rather than specific resolutions, you may wish to focus on a word that can help guide your actions in the coming year. It might be “yes”: yes, I will be willing to take on those projects I’ve been avoiding. Or “hope,” pledging to look for signs of hope and reflect a hopeful spirit rather than being caught up in the negative spirit that is common in society these days. These are just examples. There may be another word, such as surrender, fun, nature or something else that speaks to you.

When asked about New Year’s resolutions, some people respond with the answer, “I don’t make them anymore because I found that I never kept them.” On one level, that response is understandable. No one wants to live with a sense of failure. But maybe there’s a way around this dilemma. Why not develop and discuss your goals with a close friend or your spouse? Agree that you’ll check in with each other a few times in the coming year around your goals. That mutual support can make a big difference.

What will you seek to achieve in the coming year?