In this year of 2011

In this year of 2011, I promise...
I pledge...
I resolve...

What is a resolution? According to dictionary.com it is "a firm decision to do or not to do something".  However, I don't find that terribly helpful. The history of making resolutions dates to Rome, around 150 B.C., there's a great ezine article on that here. And while that's fascinating, why do people currently make resolutions? And why make them for the new year?
Well, I don't have everyone's answers, but I do have my own. And here's why I make resolutions at this time of year, and why I think it's necessary.

If in this life we are supposed to be striving to be like Christ, and to be more perfect every day (assuming of course you are a Christian), then the need to make firm decisions (as defined above) will be necessary. The decision that something should not fit into your lifestyle, or something should fit into your lifestyle will almost always be necessary. The idea of making new resolutions with the beginning of a new year is a symbolic one at the least, it gives you a roundness in your mind to have a clean slate.

Two years ago, I resolved to take charge of my health. Last year I resolved to be pushed around by people in my life, whether they were strangers or close to me, a lot less. I think I've succeeded on both counts, and now at this point, where I hover ready to graduate, ready to be my own adult person, but terrified of the prospect at the same, I have no clue what that one big thing should be. Well, I thought I had no clue what the one big thing to change should be.

It has two parts, first, I resolve to get out more. That's vague, but I mean I resolve to push myself past my comfort zone more, to connect with people more, to not care so much about being perfect, but care more about the relationships in my life. The second part, I want to listen more. If you have something to tell me, I want to make sure I'm 100% focused on what you're saying. I want to think less and engage more.

I've been reading a lot of things recently about simple living, intentional living, etc. It's all really speaking to me right now. I feel the need to cut back, to declutter, to pare down, both emotionally and physically. So I can rephrase my resolution. I want to live more intentionally. So that's my only resolution.
I want to find MY untrodden viewpoint, to engage, to love more.
I recently told a person if someone could say during my eulogy "She was well-traveled, well-read, and loved God and her fellow person" I would be perfectly content with my earthly life.

Harriman-Jewell

Oh the places you'll go. I was reflecting last night, through the Harriman Jewell Arts Series, I've seen:

the Trey McIntyre Project - full of crazy dancing
the Jerusalem Symphony
the Royal Dragoons - full of marching and bagpipes
Emmanuel Axe, not once, but twice (but only once solo, the other time in duet)
the King's Singers (twice!)
Joyce Didonato (more times than I can count now)
Alvin Ailey Dance Company - twice!
the Houston Ballet
Parons Dance Company
Renee Fleming
Canadian Brass
Anne-Sophi Mutter

Have participated in two Master's Classes with two different amazing pianists

And considering almost all of those tickets SHOULD have cost me upwards of $45, I'm feeling very blessed indeed. Since I now have a card with all six King's Singers signatures sitting in my purse, I'm feeling blissful as well. Oh... it's time for a Master's Class with the King's Singers actually ...

A couple of really good friends

I'm really blessed with my friends. I've mentioned this before. But today, I want to share a couple of stories.

I have a friend who will dash to the cafeteria after her own class is over at 8:50 to pick me up a box breakfast since I'm at work and won't make it to breakfast. She's pretty cool. She also takes me out when I need a drink, makes me monitor my blood sugar, supports me wholeheartedly, and loves goofiness and disney movies as much as I do. I'm very grateful for this.

I'm also blessed with a friend who, yes, enjoys the goofiness, watches Bones with me, brings me lemonade and strawberries because I can't go to the holiday party myself because of the airborne nut allergens floating through the room, makes me have dates to cry in her lap because life is overwhelming and occasionally pushes me to try new things. 

God is faithful

What a week. My patience has certainly been tried this week. But I have a few things that have helped me get through the long days (and nights!), things I've remembered and repeated over and over as I was studying and being busy. Sometimes for me, I have to remember that I am human, and while I may try as hard as I can, at the end of the day, I am not the one I depend on. God is more faithful than I could hope to be, God will never leave me. 


Joshua 1:5 NIV
No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.


I Corinthians 1:9
God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.


I Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

Trials

Well, that may be over dramatic, it may not be. I'm a little sleep-deprived, as the time stamp should indicate here.

"Consider it pure joy my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind,"
James 1:2

I'm reminded of this verse tonight during my observations of so many things. The last two weeks of classes at Jewell are famous for being rough, no one enjoys them. But it's much harder to enjoy them during the fall. Most of us are busy with planning for the Christmas festivalS, the multiple that will take place over the next two weeks. I think most of us would rather just curl up and go to sleep instead, but that's a little hard right now due to the papers, presentations, exams and concerts that must happen.

Consider it pure joy. I'll be working on that attitude.