New Year's Revolution

"BRUTAL COLD THROUGHOUT COLORADO"

So reads this morning's headline from a Denver news station website. 

This is just what I've been waiting for. An excuse to keep a perpetual fire burning in the fireplace and write from a nearby easy chair. It's my compensation for living in a cold climate. The photo I just snapped and added below should help set the mood for you.

By the way, the oil painting of the Alluvial Fan above the fireplace is a Reinke, painted several years ago. It remains my favorite work of art.

So I'm sitting in front of the fire and thinking about new year's resolutions. Where did this tradition come from, I wonder. Thanks to modern technology, research isn't too difficult. The most widely accepted explanation is summed up best in an Ezine article:

"The tradition of the New Year's Resolutions goes all the way back to 153 B.C. Janus, a mythical king of early Rome was placed at the head of the calendar.

With two faces, Janus could look back on past events and forward to the future. Janus became the ancient symbol for resolutions and many Romans looked for forgiveness  from their enemies and also exchanged gifts before the beginning of each year."

What an interesting concept. Instead of resolving to change something about ourselves that we'll probably just end up forgetting about in a few weeks, we seek out our enemies and ask for forgiveness. And then we exchange gifts. Cool. I like it. In fact, I'd call this a revolutionary idea.  Can you imagine the impact on our world if everyone adopted it? What a great way to start out the new year. Forgive those who have trespassed against you. Sound familiar?

Jesus Christ said, "So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift."

Have a Happy Forgiving New Year.