A new year brings a great opportunity to set goals and evaluate changes you want to make. We call them "New Year's Resolutions," but really they become wish lists; that's why so many of them are violated by the end of January. I like the term "Resolutions" better: we resolve to do something different, something better. When you resolve to do something, that implies a level of commitment, of enthusiasm, of dedication. So if I say, "I resolve to lose 30 pounds," that is better than simply setting a goal to lose weight. In Congress, bills/laws are stated as "Given the following conditions, X, Y, and Z, be it Resolved that the US will do A, B, and C." In other words, we are committing our country to action around a set of principles. The statement from the legislature of the colony of Virginia regarding separation from England said, "Resolved: That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states." In other words, the colonies committed themselves, dedicated and worked for independence--they "resolved." By choosing to resolve instead of just wishing, our New Year's Resolutions are a year-long effort in the same way that the Lee Resolution from Virginia did not suddenly make the colonies free, but set in motion the dedication to action that eventually resulted in freedom.
So, resolve to do specific things in your life. Resolve to change behaviors that may be limiting you and to adopt new ones that will expand your horizons. Resolve to be a better friend, to repent of smaller indiscretions daily rather than waiting for larger ones to appear, to develop a love of all things spiritual. But don't just wish: resolve.
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