Future Thanks and Forgiveness

I have never put much stock in the use of resolutions (associated with the years' turning or otherwise) as a regular practice.  But we've all done it.  January One rolls around, and in fits of conscience, guilt, or clueless optimism, we compile lengthy catalogs of well-intentioned goals that no mere human could possibly hope to achieve in the span of a single year's passing. Resolutions are, to me, much akin to your run-of-the-mill decisions, and by way of explanation I would refer the kind and gentle reader (not to neglect those unkind and/or vicious ones) to the old saw about three birds on a wire.  To wit: Three birds are sitting on a wire.  When two of them decide (resolve) to fly away, how many are left?  The correct answer is that all three remain, since the decision (resolution) was not consummated by the action which would have resulted in a solitary lonesome feathered critter on a cable.  What's the point?  Well, to borrow from otherwhere, (you can take your pick): "Faith without works is futile..." or "Put your money where your mouth is...." or "The road to hell is paved with good intentions....", etc., etc.

In a related story, I went to a New Years Eve party last night, where I came to find myself chatting with a friend, a relatively new acquaintance.  When I asked what were her plans for her New Years Day, she replied (after a pause, it seemed, to consider whether her reply might possibly leave her susceptible to an invitation from me) that she intended to make a "future gratitude list", giving thanks to what-or-whomever for the benefits and blessings she was to receive, as well as for her expected accomplishments, during the coming year. I think I much prefer that practice over the "letter to Santa" approach, so I asked if she'd mind if I made one, too.  She laughed and replied, "Thanks, but I think I can handle it myself". (Actually, she didn't say that. She just smiled prettily and went to refill her bubbly. Story of my life.)

The friend I'm referring to has recently proven herself a treasure of frothy philosophical gems.  She lately posted a quote on FaceBook by Ghandi, proclaiming that it takes great strength to forgive.  My reply was that exceptional strength is also required to ask forgiveness.  (The weak don't give a rip.)  I didn't expect at the time to find myself doing so any time soon, but here I am, begging your solicitude for neglecting so long my duties as an epistler, a chronicler, if you will, of this venue.  I steadfastly refuse, however, to present this amends as a formal resolution, but I do promise to try and do better.   I'm not saying I'm turning over a new leaf- rather, I'm using the old ones to fertilize the growth of the new.  You might say, in other words, that my future gratitude list (see above) will include thanks for the opportunity to continue speading my BS around.  Not to mention appreciation that someone may yet be reading it.

Following: Sunrise as a metaphor for New Hope.

Like it? Check out Designzz for the most amazing sunrise pix ever!

Comments

[Allan]

Still reading, still enjoying.

Happy New Year!