From the Vicarage

Resolve, Don't Dissolve

New Year Resolutions are usually more talked about than acted upon, often because they’re made with too little thought of what can really be achieved. So, just when we need to summon up some useful determination, a flood of excuses washes away our ideas and nothing changes after all.

Why is it that New Year resolutions are so often negative?
“ I will not smoke/get drunk/ eat too much/ stay up late/ cut school/ make excuses/ be grumpy/ complain/ ignore people/ waste time/ throw away money....” etc.

More positive thoughts might be, “ I will look after my body because it is the temple of God’s Holy Spirit”, “ I will learn about God’s world so I can help protect the environment”, “I will be grateful for my time and possessions then I will be able to share more with others.” A rainy day will be more likely to leave these promises standing firm and showing their value, not disappearing down the drain of worthless intentions.

And remember, if your resolutions still need some extra resolve, that’s because we can’t fully achieve anything without God. So talk to him in your prayers, and ask for the strength and guidance of the Holy Spirit to help you recognise that all you do can be done for the sake of our Friend and Brother, Jesus. Then, don’t forget to thank your Father in heaven each time you are successful.

Ann

The above is the lead article from the parish magazine for January 2007.
If you wish to receive the full magazine it is available for a subscription of £3 per year from Mrs Mavis Bradley on 01322 338654 or email parishmag at sladegreen dot org

Index of the previous magazine articles