I’ve never been much of one for New Year’s resolutions. I learned long ago that I never really keep them. I do well for maybe (MAYBE) the first month or so, but then it goes by the wayside. 🥳 So, while it sounds like a good idea, it’s really only seemed like a lot of pressure and disappointment over the years. Needless to say, I don’t opt in to making resolutions anymore.
However, I recently read about how the Jewish people celebrate their new year. It’s called Rosh Hashanah. They don’t look forward to what they want to do in the coming year (and then not do it). Instead, for the first 10 days of the new year, they take focused time to look back over the previous year. Their tradition states that during those days God opens his books in order to examine the deeds of every person. 📚 It’s a time of self-examination and reflection, owning up to wrongs done.
The heart of it is not shame and condemnation, but love. It’s purpose is reconciliation, restoration and peace with both God and man.
At the end of the 10 days is the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur. It’s the most holy day for Jewish people. On that day they cease from their work and fast for the whole day as a way of “afflicting their soul” for their sins and asking forgiveness.
Don’t worry. I’m not converting to Judaism, nor do I think, as a follower of Christ, that I’m more spiritual by following Jewish law. But I do have to say, I feel more drawn to this tradition than to the tradition of making resolutions that I don’t keep. To examine one’s heart, asking the Lord to bring wrongs to remembrance that need confessed and to seek forgiveness—I honestly can’t think of a fresher, more joyous way to begin a new year! 🤩
It’s like having your computer wiped clean and starting again. Lol. I know, that doesn’t sound fun, and it’s not, but boy, there’s something about it that’s such a relief at the same time. Or de-cluttering your house–all the jumble and muddle cleared out and order and ease restored.
So, I’m skipping the resolutions and planning to hang with Jesus and let him lead me in self-reflection and healing this year. May this year, 2023, bring us all peace, restoration, and forgiveness. 🥰