The Things We Never Resolved To …
She left the question in the comment box a year ago.
I had just declared myself a Resolution Dropout, and had listed a string of past broken promises.
Then she dropped by and quietly lifted the veil of New Year’s regret with the question: “What are all the beautiful things you did that you never resolved to?”
(Thank you, L.L. Barkat.)
In 2009, beautiful things emerged in unexpected — sometimes broken — places. I resolved none of it, but it has changed my resolve.
Here is our year in pictures, filled with “the beautiful things we never resolved to.” We count among our blessings the scrapes and bruises and sucker-punches: the accident, a daughter’s short hospital stay, a late harvest. Every hurt and pain was dressed in grace. Because in the hardest places we became softest — like moldable clay in the hands of the Potter.
“I have learned that faith means trusting in advance what will only make sense in reverse.” — Philip Yancey
In 2010, I have only one resolution. Just one.
It’s the same as last year’s. It’s the same as the Apostle Paul’s. And I find it here, in 1 Corinthians 2:2:
For I resolve to know nothing … except Jesus Christ and him crucified.
Happy New Year, friends, from our home to yours. Today, I ask L.L.’s question to you: What are the beautiful things you did that you never resolved to?
Love this. Beautiful, as always!
Happy New Year! Loved all the photos you share with us! Have a blessed New Year!
Now that's a resolution! Amen! Lovely post.
What a beautiful post! I loved the pictures, I just wish I could take beautiful pictures like that mine don't turn out near as nice. I hope no one was hurt, let alone seriously hurt in the accident. My you have a Very Blessed New Year and may it continue throughout.
Love and Prayers,
PJ
AMEN…"to know Jesus Christ and only HIM!"
Hope you have a wonderfully blessed New Year!
Blessings, hugs, and prayers,
andrea
Great post, and I LOVE the quote! It's about to become my FB status. 😉
oh, girl. That verse at the end just gave me goosebumps. I love this, and I love you. Wishing you only God's grace, peace, hope and joy (what more could a person ask for??) in 2010.
Beautiful, Jennifer! God always speaks to me through your posts. And, I thank you for being so obedient.
Not sure of the past things that I never resolved to do. I AM resolving to read through the Bible this year! And, to be more like Mary, not Martha!
Bless you, sweet friend, for this post. And, the pictures are lovely. I have a question that I believe you can help me with! I am getting ready to start my own photography business. I am really excited. I am looking for the perfect scripture to use on my website. I think I have found one, but would love to have another "sister" back me up. I receive so much joy when I capture a "God moment" through the camera lense. It truly can take my breath away.I want to share this joy with others. Do you have any thoughts as to the perfect scripture? I would love to see if we choose the same one. Please feel free to email me at [email protected] when you have a minute. I would truly appreciate it!!
Much love!
Susan
Your way with words always blesses me…tonight was no exception…straight to the heart of the matter…simple truths that speak so loudly…
Praise the Lord!!! Love this! Happy new year to you friend!
Wylie
Great photos of moments in 2009. I love the idea of the things we never resolved to do.. and all the lessons they provide.
Happy New Year Jennifer! Another year to "Get down with Jesus".
Blessings to you from Washington.
Ah. That's a great way to look back. Thanks to both you and LL.
I see these photos and thank God for you!!!!!
The pictures of your girls bring smiles and tears to my eyes and remind me of my sisters and I growing up. I love the Dekalb logo on the bags as that reminds me of the farm my daddy grew up on.
I am being hit between the eyes today through your post and another blog and my study lesson in the Word today…to use myself to glorify God, as a steward of his creation here on earth. A lot to strive towards.
I had never resolved to be in a bad car accident, but it was that accident that brought me back in my Lord's arms after ignoring Him for so long.
Bless you and Happy New Year!
The pictures of your girls bring smiles and tears to my eyes and remind me of my sisters and I growing up. I love the Dekalb logo on the bags as that reminds me of the farm my daddy grew up on.
I am being hit between the eyes today through your post and another blog and my study lesson in the Word today…to use myself to glorify God, as a steward of his creation here on earth. A lot to strive towards.
I had never resolved to be in a bad car accident, but it was that accident that brought me back in my Lord's arms after ignoring Him for so long.
Bless you and Happy New Year!
My life was already full of people I love. I didn't go looking for more. The Lord nonetheless brought scads more friends to me, and made room in my hours to love them.
I love you, Jennifer.
An absolutely beautiful thought. I'll have to thank L.L. later! And these pictures…Jennifer, they gave me chills.
Much beauty here. I'm resolving the same!
i never resolved to have God pursue me the way He did but it was a precious experience as being in His company always is…
Here's to knowing Him more deeply…
Loved seeing your year in pictures
Hi Jennifer, I just wanted to let you know that I gave you an award on my blog today. Your writing touches me in so many ways — thank you! You can "pick up" your award at Graceful. Have a great day!
Loving the photos. It's just amazing what God does when we're not even expecting it. My hope is for you and your family a blessed 2010–with His hand ever evident in your life.
Did I ask that? Sigh. I don't remember. 🙂
I LOVE the angel girls. Marvelous, marvelous. I drew in a deep breath at the sight of them.