Tabula Rasa
by LewisSo here it is New Year’s Eve, and tomorrow many of us will get our annual “do over.” Personally, I’m excited! I’m going to get in better shape, I’m going to read my Bible more, I’m going to pray more often… in fact I’m going to be better at everything I do.
Theoretically I could make that resolution any day, so what makes January 1 magical? The reality is that we humans, either through nature or conditioning, deal with change much better when it is ceremonialized. Granted, January 1 isn’t much of a ceremony, but it speaks in some way to our emotions. It marks the date and is a special day — the first day of a new year.
So take advantage of it. Resolve to do something good. Love God more deeply. Love people more deeply. Be more like Jesus. And have a very happy New Year!
January 4th, 2008 at 11:36 am
I don’t know if it’s the same as a resolution. But, I do set goals at the beginning of each year.
Measurable goals are the best.
What I want to know, is there a quantitative way to determine that we are becoming better people, becoming more like Jesus?
Can it be done by logging more time in the Book, by spending more quiet time in prayer, devoting more effort/funds to service?
How can we know we are growing in our Christian walk?
January 7th, 2008 at 11:55 am
I love the anticipation of a new year, too, but I don’t think of it as a tabula rasa, or blank slate. I like to think back on what I learned and overcame last year and bring it forward to enrich my new year. Last year, I made some significant mistakes, and I hope to avoid falling into the same traps.
So I’m not that compelled to quantify my spiritual growth by measuring certain actions. I’m more interested in observing the quality and depth of my relationship with God and with other people.
I want to experience more love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. How do you measure those things on a spreadsheet?