“…they will make vows to the Lord and keep them.” Isaiah 19:21

I don’t make New Year’s resolutions.  I like to sleep at night  so I strive to not make promises I can’t keep.

I can’t recall any New Year’s resolutions I’ve ever made good on.  The changes I’ve made have instead come steadily, through intentional doing rather than the loose speaking of them.

I have a good friend who lives by her word.  She does not give it lightly nor does it roll off her tongue like loose change.  She cannot be cajoled, she will not roll over in submission to pressure.   Yet… when she gives you her word, you can take it to the bank.  It’s as good as gold.

“Let your yes be yes and your no be no,” isn’t that what Jesus said?  And let’s not forget those other words that followed, though God knows I’d like to sometimes….  “anything beyond this come from the evil one.”

The corollary seems a bit harsh.  What about all those lovely justifications?  And how about all those feel-good rationalizations?  And what about those wishes — like I wish I may and I wish I might?

Surely these words of Jesus are words to squirm by if not to live by.

New Year’s Resolutions?  I think I’ll pass (the plate).