New Year's resolution revolution... part 2

The reason, however, I believe that we fail so miserably and consistently is that these efforts are seated solely in our own will; in our ability to somehow pick ourselves up by our bootstraps and make it happen. While it may work at times for some, a holistic standard that addresses all areas that need improvement is quite obviously unattainable. To recognize this is a serious stride in personal growth because, in fact, through this revelation we’ve brushed against the glass ceiling of the divine. If we acknowledge that there is a standard for which we strive that surpasses our ability to attain, then we admit through our conception of that standard and our desire to achieve it that there is a “good” beyond us. Yet our longings for change testify that it should be in us

There is a need then to recognize the futility of our effort. This does not, however, mean abandoning the attempt. It means rather moving beyond our individualistic and godless paradigm when scribbling down the ‘to-do’s and the ‘to-don’t’s come January 2nd. There is a paradox of sorts in Christianity which demonstrates how acknowledged weakness leads to strength. A verse from the first epistle to the Corinthians in the New Testament beautifully illustrates this paradox. It says, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” This metaphor points to us, our bodies as the empty vessels, yet calling them treasures. Why? Because through the recognition of our own emptiness, we come to realize our purpose – to be filled with the all surpassing power of God. The good that was beyond us fills us and satisfies the deepest standard for which we strive. Of course, it takes a long time (perhaps a lifetime) to fully realize the implications of such a union. But perhaps finding another unused schedule or list will be a good reminder.