resolution/revolution

when i think @ new year's resolutions, i think @ failure. not even my own, necessarily. it seems everyone fails to realize their new year's resolution. (everyone except you, reader. you'll stick to yours, i know it!) i don't think anyone can realistically expect to successfully change their lives as if they were flipping a switch. "lights are on; lights are off. i'm a lazy, selfish glutton; i'm a model citizen." not that it never happens, but i expect i'll just win the lottery before that works for me. (i don't play the lottery.)

of course, my own failures do color my impression, i'm sure. i'm batting 1000, as far as breaking resolutions. wanna know why? me, too.

the problem with resolutions is in the definition of the word. a typical resolution begins, "i will..." no, i won't. i ought to have figured that out by now. i can't do it. i'm not strong enough. we all of us fall short. we all miss the mark.

unless we cheat. i never have to fall short, if i set the bar low enough; i need never miss the mark, if i aim at something already within reach. oh, but wait. that's no way to affect a change, now is it? well, what if i just hire a ringer? someone to give be a boost, so i can set the bar as high as i please? someone to guide my arm, & keep me on target. hang on, i think i might be onto something.

i resolve to cheat @ every turn. i'm not going to do any of the work myself. i'm going to lean on my Helper, & let Him carry me. but then, that's not really a resolution, is it? i haven't actually resolved to do anything. yet, by revolting against the idea that i'm good enough to do it myself, i've now resolved every possible conflict in my life. revolt=resolve.

then, here is my new year's revolution: i surrender my imperfect will. i haven't the will-power to accomplish anything, so i lend Him my will, & He lends me His power. it's like reverse independence day.