 I resolve to _____
Did you resolve to change your lifestyle in some way this year? New Year's resolutions are a popular cultural phenomenon. Here's a list of some of the most popular resolutions along with resources you can use to successfully achieve those goals. Many people strive to become healthier by quitting smoking, eating better, exercising more, sleeping more peacefully, or drinking less alcohol. What might be somewhat depressing to note is that usually only a small percentage of people actually achieve their resolution over an extended period of time. Tara Parker Pope recently wrote a New York Times Magazine article documenting just how difficult it is to lose body weight and continue to maintain the lower weight over a period of longer than 12 months. Our bodies have built in defense mechanisms against such weight loss. Hormones battle against us even as we are doing all that we can to stay on a diet. Parker Pope writes that "that the human body continues to fight against weight loss long after dieting has stopped. (Parker Pope, 2011, page 1)" This (fact) translates into a sobering reality: once we become fat, most of us, despite our best efforts, will probably stay fat. How sad... yet how reassuring as well. We aren't alone in "failure." Moreover, a process of improvement takes true dedication, discipline, and devotion to "succeed." Perhaps we're resolving to accomplish the incorrect goal and/or perhaps we need to approach the "problem" from a different point of view or with better resources. There are many websites offering advice for how to best achieve your resolutions.  I came across this one that I happened to appreciate more than some of the others. (You might appreciate this blogpost too). Raquel Serrano encourages her readers to plan, pray, prioritize, and make public their resolutions. In other words, a loving God along with, faith, friends, and lack of fear become the foundation for resolving ourselves to a healthier life over an extended period of time. St. Paul encourages his readers in the Letter to the Ephesians to approach God (and life) with boldness and faith because of our faith in Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 3: 10-12). Wouldn't it be interesting for us as a parish and a community of faithful Christians seek out one another in accomplishing our resolutions with one another's and our Lord's help? What sort of prayerful and practical plans might we make even as we lovingly hold one another accountable to become healthier, happier, more rested, and less stressed beloved children of God. This Season of Epiphany should become a bright beginning for a shared time of healthier living and holier hope. Come let us reason and resolve with one another ... and maybe lose a few pounds or sleep a little longer and better too. Blessings Along The Way - Jim+ |
