“New Year’s resolutions are made to be broken.”
At least that’s the way it seems. Lots of folks figure out things that can be done to improve their selves beginning January 1.
Somebody researched it and claimed over 88 percent of Americans make at least one resolution for the New Year.
Most common are lose weight, have more money, quit smoking, see the family, maintain a budget, find improved job, eat correctly, get organized, exercise harder, and be a better person.
Being closer to the Lord savior and especially thankful for all His blessings didn’t make the Top Ten. But they’re really the most important.
Personal resolutions are to pray harder, especially expressing appreciation for all received, and seeking guidance in all to be done.
Of course, not eat so much, procrastinate less, contact friends, spend additional time horseback, and write more stories.
Surveys show not even 20 percent are successful in keeping one resolution.
New Year’s Eve is for celebrating. In olden days, many country folks went to the 11 o’clock movie.
At midnight, Auld Lang Syne played and everybody wearing party hats blew whistles and threw confetti. Family kissed and hugged while cowboys hoped for another smooch from their girlfriends.
Years later, dances at the Armory became popular. However, it’s bedtime for most older ones, who try to stay up later at home, but not ’til midnight.
On New Year’s Day, most just relax and recuperate. Television parades used to feature trick roping cowboy Montie Montana and his horse Rex. But they’re gone, although horses are still the best part of parades.
Traditional New Year’s Day dinner calls for ham, black-eyed peas, cabbage, and donuts. That’s supposed to bring good luck for 365 days.
It is proper to take the scythe, whip the old year good-bye, and look to the birth of a fresh beginning. Babies are symbols of the New Year, and reminder of the nativity of Jesus Christ, savior.
New Year’s resolutions have been considered paganism, making taking a walk with God more important.
Rebirth and living hope come in First Peter 1:3: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In his great mercy, He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
Further proof of no need for New Year’s resolutions comes in the promise found in Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
Likewise, is the pledge in Second Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. Old things have passed away; behold all things have become new.”
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