Sunday, January 1, 2012

re·solve 2012



Resolve:

The dictionary definition of this common verb is “to come to an earnest decision; to determine to do something.”

Do something.

And so at the beginning of each New Year, we make resolutions. We resolve to stop doing one thing, and start doing another. Drop bad habits, pick up better ones. To finally DO something about everything that’s wrong with our lives. To fix this mess.

But if you take a second look at the dictionary entry, you may notice a certain irony about how the word itself is broken into two syllables:

re·solve

Re-solve. To solve again…to solve over.

Our life is one big “solve-over.”

It is as if we already know how to solve all our problems and have determined to do exactly that. We just have to do it again.

And again.

Only this time, we’re in earnest.

Are our resolutions nothing more than the self-delusion that we are finally, somehow taking control of our lives? Or is it the best illustration of humankind’s unique genius for continual reinvention?

In music, the term “resolve” means to move from a dissonant note to a consonant, or more pleasing one. Tension and release. Resolution.

It’s certainly an idea that resonates with us: The notion that we can somehow move beyond the dissonance in our lives to a more peaceful existence.

It’s a notion born of hope

of grace

and redemption




4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ahhh... welcome back, Brian. I've missed you.... :<D Brilliant, succinct, thought-provoking. That's the writer I remember. Happy New Year...

Anonymous said...

...Interesting.

Here's to dropping "bad" habits in 2012...

As said above--very thought-provoking.

Foursons said...

I like to use the word "goals" instead of "resolution". It makes me feel as though things are more attainable.

Prayingmedic said...

I was wondering where you went. Glad I found you again. I resolve not to lose you again.

You might benefit from this perspective:
http://www.pilgrimgram.com/2011/12/new-beginnings-or-second-chances-whats.html

PM