As I prepare to yet again move away from home to start my next semester of college, I wonder what surprises and adventures await me upon my return to Athens. I plan to attend football games, rush UGA'S Christian sorority, and put thirteen more credit hours under my belt. These goals seem very positive and beneficial to my future right now, but how will these change in the coming weeks?
In my opinion, two of the most difficult times of the year come right after the first day of two months: January and August. What do these two months have in common? Both January 1 and August 1 signal the beginning of a new era, January starting a new calendar year, and August starting a new school year. What else do these two dates have in common? Around these times we start to make rash "resolutions" that we have no intent of continuing a month down the road. Throughout the years, I have heard the following:
I may be young, but after eighteen years on this Earth, I know how little of intent we have when we make "new year resolutions." We watch for the clock to strike twelve or listen for the morning bell to ring, and we spit out the first thing that comes to mind. We think, "what sounds the most impressive?" We talk. We do not act.
That is our issue as humans. Many of the actions that we promise to do are met with hesitation, grumbling, and in the end, are not completed, the bones from the skeleton of our resolution lying in the dusty corner of our minds.
How can we fix our broken skeletons? The resolution to our shattered resolutions can be found in a phrase my former tennis coach used to repeat to me: "Think, do, follow through." Simple, right? Well, shouldn't it be? How can we overcome the obstacle of losing sight of our goal? The key is the level of importance to us personally. As a tennis player, if I resolved to improve the accuracy of my free throw, I would most likely let go of this goal and move on to the next. If I were to resolve to lessen the frequency of double faults, however, I would be more motivated to continue on to success.
The same principle holds true for spiritual resolutions. Aside from wishing to attend church or crack open our Bible more, Christians young and old desire different things for their walk of faith. The key to success is realizing how much we want to impress not our friends or family, but God. I'm talking PASSION here, readers. Pure passion for knowing more about our Heavenly Father and his promises. Passion for spreading His love to the dusty corners of the world where other broken skeletons lie.
The question now, readers, is what are you passionate about? What wakes you, drives you, and controls your thoughts as you dream at night?
In my opinion, two of the most difficult times of the year come right after the first day of two months: January and August. What do these two months have in common? Both January 1 and August 1 signal the beginning of a new era, January starting a new calendar year, and August starting a new school year. What else do these two dates have in common? Around these times we start to make rash "resolutions" that we have no intent of continuing a month down the road. Throughout the years, I have heard the following:
- I am going to start working out (This never happens)
- I am going to get a job (This probably will not happen)
- I am going to improve my GPA (I'm a student. I know this will not happen.)
- And finally, I am going to read my Bible and go to church more.
I may be young, but after eighteen years on this Earth, I know how little of intent we have when we make "new year resolutions." We watch for the clock to strike twelve or listen for the morning bell to ring, and we spit out the first thing that comes to mind. We think, "what sounds the most impressive?" We talk. We do not act.
That is our issue as humans. Many of the actions that we promise to do are met with hesitation, grumbling, and in the end, are not completed, the bones from the skeleton of our resolution lying in the dusty corner of our minds.
How can we fix our broken skeletons? The resolution to our shattered resolutions can be found in a phrase my former tennis coach used to repeat to me: "Think, do, follow through." Simple, right? Well, shouldn't it be? How can we overcome the obstacle of losing sight of our goal? The key is the level of importance to us personally. As a tennis player, if I resolved to improve the accuracy of my free throw, I would most likely let go of this goal and move on to the next. If I were to resolve to lessen the frequency of double faults, however, I would be more motivated to continue on to success.
The same principle holds true for spiritual resolutions. Aside from wishing to attend church or crack open our Bible more, Christians young and old desire different things for their walk of faith. The key to success is realizing how much we want to impress not our friends or family, but God. I'm talking PASSION here, readers. Pure passion for knowing more about our Heavenly Father and his promises. Passion for spreading His love to the dusty corners of the world where other broken skeletons lie.
The question now, readers, is what are you passionate about? What wakes you, drives you, and controls your thoughts as you dream at night?
What are my new school year resolutions? I will strive to keep my focus on academics while enjoying my new environment, and I will also work to further my understanding of Christ's love and promises. I will also aim to remain a light for my Savior in the midst of a new world.
As you embark on your newest adventure this week, make a resolution. One that you will never lose sight of. One that is important to YOU. And once you make a resolution, commit. Whether it is improving your resume academically or spiritually, commit. Commit whole-heartedly. When matters grow tough, pray. When days are easy, thank God.
What resolutions are you making this week? Feel free to share below! Let's make a deal. If you'll pray for me and my completion of my goals, I will pray for you. This is what they call "good peer-pressure." So, let's commit. Go.
Thanks for reading,
Emily
As you embark on your newest adventure this week, make a resolution. One that you will never lose sight of. One that is important to YOU. And once you make a resolution, commit. Whether it is improving your resume academically or spiritually, commit. Commit whole-heartedly. When matters grow tough, pray. When days are easy, thank God.
What resolutions are you making this week? Feel free to share below! Let's make a deal. If you'll pray for me and my completion of my goals, I will pray for you. This is what they call "good peer-pressure." So, let's commit. Go.
Thanks for reading,
Emily