About resolutions--

"Hope" is the thing with feathers—
That perches in the soul—
And sings the tune without the words—
And never stops—at all—

And sweetest—in the Gale—is heard—
And sore must be the storm—
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm—

I've heard it in the chillest land—
And on the strangest Sea—
Yet, never, in Extremity,
It asked a crumb—of Me.

Emily Dickinson wrote this metaphoric poem about hope. Every year news people ask readers/viewers for their resolutions for the New Year. We comply. Why?

"Resolve"--definitions
To come to a definite or earnest decision about; determine (to do something): I have resolved that I shall live to the full;
To convert or transform by any process (often used reflexively).

So, we resolve to determine to do something (better) or transform ourselves into something better. We have hope, despite the storms of life that "abash" us, despite not knowing which direction to follow (the tune without the words). Hope exists everywhere. Despite those who pooh-pooh resolutions, we make them for a reason: We are human and we have hope. And, yes, of course, we have the ultimate Hope--God! So, we resolve--and pray!

Have a Happy and Prosperous and Safe New Year!