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I was in a group of around 70 people yesterday.  The leader asked how many had made New Year’s resolutions.  I promptly stuck up my hand (I’m hoping to lose some weight and do more writing), and joined another three – maybe four volunteers!

A number of years ago, that number would have been reversed.  We all wanted others to know what our New Year’s resolutions were.  We talked about good things that we wanted to do.  We set up strategies and programs to reach those goals.  And we expected that others would find out, so why not tell them.  If they kept us accountable, all the better.

I suppose we don’t want to live with guilt anymore.  The best way to do that is to have no rules and no goals.  That way you will hit your expectations.  I figured when I used to jump hurdles in high school the best way to win was to lower the height of the hurdle.  Sure made the run faster!

I suppose we don’t want to think that there are any ideals that transcend our own ideas of what is right and wrong.  And if what I say is right and wrong is contradicted by another person, then just ignore them.  When my friend said they had resolved to give up homework in high school, we all laughed and said, “not going to happen!!”  Nowadays we just say “whatever”.

I suppose we are lazy.  Live for the moment.  If you don’t have to plan, then you don’t have to waste your time figuring out what to plan and why you are planning.  If it feels good, do it – if not, maybe some other day – or not!!

Maybe I like truth, and beauty and happiness and a new day, and something to look forward to.  And maybe I won’t keep all my resolutions.  And maybe that’s alright, because God knows my failures and willingly walks with me to find that good life that God always wanted for me!

Some days thinking back and imagining a previous season is just plain fun.

In the last while, I’ve been jotting down some phrases that might make for good titles, beginnings of blogs and just fun word play.  Here are a few:

• Stumbling blocks or stepping stones
• Passion leads to impatience
• Forgive:  suffer to become less intense
• True hearted and right minded
• Reverential work
• Our voices are a treasury of sampled sounds
• Instructional versus relational
• When purity of doctrine trumps love of others

I’m looking out my relative’s window at a small pond.  Our Christmas festivities will be fun, with possibly cleaning off the pound and shuffling around the ice.

The water’s edge was the location of cities in the past.  We all need to have water.  Without ease of access to aqueducts and pipes, the easiest thing is to locate next to the water.  Simplicity of access and maintenance sure beats some of the headaches of pipelines.

The water’s edge was the location of fun times and beach play.  We all need to have re-creation time.  Without ease of access to internet and video games, the easiest thing is to locate next to a space that allows for games and adventure.  Simplicity of access and the ability to just walk out the door sure beats some of the headaches of digital complications.

The water’s edge reminds us that things change and we need to take advantage of whatever comes our way.  From the choppy waves to the smooth ice, you can enjoy the environment.  Or you can choose to complain. 

So, even if all I do this festive season is look at the water’s edge, I’ll be reminded that creation is a good thing – and the creator intended this world for our enjoyment.