The Kind of Resolution That Really Matters

The Kind of Resolution That Really Matters

So it’s now a few days after New Years and I have a question for you – How are you doing on your resolutions?

The definition of Resolution is: “A firm decision to do or not to do something.”

It seems to be pretty common for people to make New Year’s resolutions about all kinds of things: Losing weight, making more money, exercising more regularly, taking a dream vacation, and the list goes on and on.

It’s also pretty common that within a few weeks of proclaiming those drastic changes in our lives, that we have fallen back into our old habits once again, and the internal fortitude which seemed so sure on New Year’s Day is now faded into the reality of returning to the post-holiday grind of life.

But the kind of resolution I am talking about, has nothing to do with these kinds of things.  The kind of resolution I am referring to is the kind you talk about when using a camera or developing a picture, and has to do with, in basic terms, the quality of the image.  Or in other words, as the resolution goes up, the image becomes more clear, sharper, more defined and more detailed.

And why is that?  It’s because there is more information included in the same amount of space.

But my thoughts today don’t really have anything to do with photography or taking pictures… but instead about the resolution with which we see life around us.

So how do we see life more clearly, with improved quality, more sharpness and true definition of the details?  How do we fit more clarity and detail into the same space of 24 hours in a day?

Might I suggest, even though I am not talking about pictures, that it has everything to do with image and the lens through which we see it.

What I am talking about is: (and this is just a quick, incomplete list)

• A true perception of right and wrong.
• Being able to see the true worth of ourselves and others around us as children of a loving God who wants us to return to Him.
• Being able to recognize the needs of others we cross paths with each day and how best we can really help them.
• Seeing clearly that honesty and integrity are more important than gaining a few extra dollars in our bank accounts.
• Understanding the needs of family members and our role in their lives to lift them, strengthen them, and assist them through the challenges of life.
• Having detailed awareness of our own flaws and imperfections and what we need to do to correct them and why we need to make the effort to do so.
• AND MOST IMPORTANTLY – Understanding our relationship with our Savior Jesus Christ and how to apply His Grace and love in our lives in ways that lastingly change us in remarkable ways forever.  Because He is the lens through which we can see life clearly as it is meant to be seen.
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  Picture by Simon Dewey

"And that which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness.  That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.   And again, verily I say unto you, and I say it that you may know the truth, that you may chase darkness from among you." (D&C 50:23-25)

And how is this type of improved resolution achieved? (Here are just a few possible answers)

• Sincere and heartfelt, regular prayers.
• Study and pondering upon the word of God and His prophets found in the Holy Scriptures.
• Unplugging from the world and taking time to be with God through quiet Meditation.
• Thinking less of ourselves and getting out and serving others (starting within our own marriages and families)
• Repenting quickly and frequently when we recognize we have done something wrong.
• Forgiving others quickly and completely, just as we would hope to be forgiven if the shoe was on the other foot.
• Recognizing our dependence upon the Lord for His guidance and direction.
• Being quick to act upon His guidance when it is given to us (without doubt, debate or delay)

These are just a few ideas to help shift your perspective, provide some initial clarity and sharpen your resolution about what life is really about.

And the most remarkable thing about this kind of resolution, is that when you do so, the other kinds of changes and improvements you need to make in your life tend to begin to happen naturally and with far less effort. And those things which are meaningless sort of fall off to the wayside where they belong.

Here’s to a wonderful New Year, full of True Resolution!