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:
Ahhh... welcome back, Brian. I've missed you.... :<D Brilliant, succinct, thought-provoking. That's the writer I remember. Happy New Year...
...Interesting.
Here's to dropping "bad" habits in 2012...
As said above--very thought-provoking.
I like to use the word "goals" instead of "resolution". It makes me feel as though things are more attainable.
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
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