01/05/2008

2008. Wow! I am thinking about New Year's Resolutions. Now, I realize that I'm a bit late in coming up with a resolution...after all, it is now the fifth of January, but nonetheless, it is on my mind.

I've never made a New Year's Resolution before. Have you? Have you stuck with it? Maybe you have already resolved yourself to some new habit for 2008. I have some thoughts for my personal NYR (it is going to take far to long to always type out the formal words). Consider with me, if you will:

-A typical NYR: a better, healthier lifestyle. More exercise, daily multivitamins, lots of fruits and veggies. It's not a bad idea, and with the exception of the exercise part, would be rather painless.

-The more painful type of NYR: give something up. Coke, chocolate, five-dollar lattes, or whining. Some of these, I won't specify which ones, would be too difficult to surrender--and, to be honest, I just don't want to. If I were a smoker, then perhaps I would consider giving that up, but will just pursue a different option.

-The NYR that I don't even assume I'll keep: go skydiving.

-The NYR that Nick prays I won't keep: redo my wardrobe.

What is the point of a New Year's Resolution? To have a better year, right? A more fulfilled year. But somehow, NYR tend to be the equivalent of a SHR (self-help resolution). And while I'm not against self-help, there comes a point where we are simply beyond the grasp of our own helpfulness. Humans aren't that helpful.

While up in Michigan for Christmas, I had the privilege and blessing of good conversation. Although there are many Christians in my extended family, the Durlings are unique and special (in both the "special" and "special" sense of the word) in that they experience Christ together. Whenever we have a gathering, Jesus is the center of conversation. It is in this particular circle of people that I experience what seems to me to be "genuine Christianity." We aren't just family in the sense that we are related, but we are family in Christ as well. It's pretty cool, really.

One favorite Aunt (and, I have several favorite Aunts...some of whom are not even truly my aunt at all) took the time to converse with me at Christmas. She stayed up with me, in her living room, until long after we should have been in bed. We were talking about experiencing God...about growing closer to Him...about reflecting His character. We were talking about the fruitlessness of self-help in comparison with God's help. And she challenged me to immerse myself...flood myself....drown myself in His word. Don't take sips of the Bible...take showers in it. Exhibit Bible gluttony. Tun and turn and turn the pages.

"His Word NEVER returns void."

Alright, then. So, I got thinking. Is it a coincidence that I am challenged to read more scripture at the beginning of a year. Perhaps not. Or, perhaps it is, but I may as well use it to my advantage. Through the Bible once in a year? Good idea, but sipping. Twice in a year? Great, but drinking. Three times in a year? Wow, but gulping. Four times a year? I don't know if I can realistically do it...but it would be drowning. So, that is my NYR. Four times this year I will read through the Bible. Don't know if I'm up for it...but, I'm going to give it my very best shot. I would write more, but the kids are napping and I guess I should get reading...