Resolving Issues

by Beth Duewel

Anyone that knows me knows I have issues: some of them being of a gentler magnitude—like guilt, for instance. That’s why ringing in the New Year’s with a resolution often carries with it a tone of dread. Although, since there is a smorgasbord of resolutions to choose from, you would think I could find one that is not only attainable and realistic, but fun as well.

One gal announced the other day that she resolved to get out of debt. I place a resolution like that in the same category as housework. No fun—no fun at all. But altogether necessary. With debt, however, there is only one means of attack—pinning up the purse. Larry Burkett has so many great things to say about debt and God’s biblical perspective on owing money. And with three percent raises being a thing of the past, one truth remains—it’s not about making more money, but spending less. And getting older is no cheap thrill. I mean, a woman can spend huge wads of money on bunion crème alone. (Not that I’m there…yet).

Calculate along with that, the moisturizers, cover stick, cover crème, eye shadow, mascara, lip balm, lip gloss, wax jobs, root dying, solar nails, cuticle removing, and the purchase of a new invention that takes care of nose hairs in a jiff. Well, you’ve got yourself a hefty tab. Did I leave anything out? Oh, if you have teenage girls multiply the total cost by a gazillion, and you have a penny left in your pocket to splurge on extras.

Cha-Ching!

So, now that I have you completely overwhelmed, let’s look at the glass and see it for how it truly is—spilling over the top with this fact: I  went to bed last night all lathered up in  moisturizer, with my belly full. Because of that I am blessed and richer than most.

I’ve heard it said, “If you want to be a rich man, you need to learn the fine art of giving it all away.” Attacking debt requires diligence and focus, but what if we make giving a priceless part of our budget and goal. What then? Romans 13:8 gets us started in the right direction by reminding, “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another…”

Now let’s look at another resolution, shall we? While reading an article yesterday, I noted another popular pledge—to spend more time with family.

I love spending time with family and I know they reciprocate. Otherwise, my dear children wouldn’t knock on the door every time I entered the bathroom because they miss me so much. They also wouldn’t deem it a dire emergency to ask me if we have any snacks while I’m on the phone. Or wait until my eyelids are firmly perched in la-la land to sing that familiar song, “Mommy, I neeeeed you.”

Investing time and effort in the lives of others, family or no, is always a noteworthy goal. John 13: 34 reminds, “A new command I give to you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

And maybe one of the most “overworked” resolutions is the plan to lose weight and tone up those saggy muscles. This resolution is my favorite.

 Last Christmas, to help me achieve this oath my husband bought me a treadmill. He put a big red bow on the exact model I pined for, the Cadillac of all treadmills.

I remember walking through the store and finding this sleek looking machine. It had digital display, buttons and gadgets. It also featured one of those nice little rip-cords to make sure I don’t splat myself against the wall. Then there was music to set the “mood” and automatic incline in case I wanted to pretend I was walking up a hill or something,  with a fan to keep me from sweating too much while walking up that same hill.

The ultra-thick track was downy soft, preventing my footsies from too much strain and possible bunion attack. I mean, what more could an exercise want-to-be want? The whole flaw to this story is that with all this attention meticulously noted to assuring MY comfort—I got the grandiose idea that exercise was comfortable. Let me clarify—that notion is a LIE!!!

I burned sweaty rubber for about two weeks then, frankly, tired of the whole discomfort thing.

So this year my husband painted the basement over Christmas break. He wondered if this “sprucing up” wouldn’t motivate me to make the exercise resolution…again. Such a sweet suggestion. I guess I could paint some clouds and trees on the basement walls, place a little park bench in the corner, scatter some leaves, invite some friends over to keep me company. You know, just a few more little details to get me “in the mood.”

So, if getting fit is your resolution be encouraged. 1Timothy 6:10,11 reminds, “…Some people, eager for money, have wondered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.” With all that “fleeing “and “pursuing” after good things, one is bound to shed a few pounds, don’t ya think?

Nevertheless, I’m not going to get overwhelmed with all this resolving. Oh, no! I figure I am bound to achieve a level of success if I stick to the resolution of LOVE. That way, I can kill three goals with one stone, while minimizing guilt. Smile.

Happy (Guilt Free) New Year!

All scripture reference is NIV.

Copyright © January 2008 - Elizabeth Duewel. All rights reserved.