Contemplating Reality in the New Year

Ruth Ann Stites, Staff Writer

What do human beings long for? I recently read a list that provided a framework for an answer: people want safety, happiness, and freedom from pain. While there are other items one might add to that list, it resonated in my thinking, especially when I thought about making New Year’s resolutions. Most of the common resolutions people make at the beginning of the year would fall under one or more of those headings: go to the gym to get in shape, have more family time, spend less and save more, or get more sleep.

I don’t think those are bad things to strive for, but they are unrealistic in achieving safety, happiness, and freedom from pain. We do not live in a safe world. No matter what we do, we can only mitigate risk, not eliminate it. Since safety is elusive, then there is no chance that we can always be happy. Who is happy that our town is devastated by a hurricane or tornado; beyond that happiness we may experience that we survived more or less untouched. Finally, given that we are never completely safe or happy, there will be pain in our lives…physically, emotionally, and mentally.

So, what resolution can we make as we enter the new year that will be realistic? How about resolving to pray more and worry less.  Consider Paul’s final admonition to the Philippians (4:4-9):

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

How much better would the coming year be if we resolved to praise God, rejoice in his grace (love) and truth (reality), and bring all our anxieties and concerns to him.

(Photo credit: R. A. Stites, my home woods)