By Ray Lenarcic

Break that New Year’s resolution yet? Come on, tell the truth. If you did and were alive 4,000 years ago, you’d have incurred the wrath of the gods. It’s been chronicled that the ancient Babylonians originated the concept of making New Year’s resolutions. While we look forward to and enjoy (sometimes too much as I was reminded by Sunday morning’s headache) a night of celebrating the end of one and coming of another year, the Babylonians’ festivities took place over 14 days; a religious festival known as Akitu during which they resolved to “pay their debts and return any objects they had borrowed.” If they kept their word, the gods would favor them during the coming year. If not-suffice it to say that you sure as hay didn’t want to tick them off. Incidentally, a Babylonian monarch named Hammurabi created a law code which formed the basis of countless legal systems since then (1700BC)-including the Romans’ and ours. Its 282 statutes defined the legal obligations and reparations in civil, family and criminal law. Familiar with the “eye for an eye” retribution? Law number 196 of the Code. Lex Talionis.

The Romans had a similar practice thanks to the one and only Julius Caesar who changed their calendar circa 46 B.C. January 1 was established as the beginning of the new year. The month was named after the god Janus, known for looking back into the previous year and ahead into the future. Romans henceforth made promises (i.e. resolutions) of good conduct for the coming year in the hope of attracting Janus’ goodwill.

And subsequently for Christians, January 1 became an occasion for remembering the past year’s mistakes and resolving to do better in the year to come. In 1740, iconic English clergyman John Wesley, founder of Methodism, created a Covenant Renewal Service (aka watch night) to be held on New Year’s Eve. Characterized by Scripture readings and hymn singing, it became a popular alternative to the more raucous secular celebration. Today, many evangelical Protestant churches conduct watch night services during which congregants pray together and make resolutions for the coming year.

Presently, an estimated 45% of us who make resolutions do so without any concern about incurring the wrath of the gods but rather for self-satisfaction and improvement. Consider yours truly a member of that club. Never having kept all of them, along with an estimated 92% of the American public, I nonetheless anxiously look forward to each December 31st and the opportunity to give it another try. Buoyed by good intentions and several Sierra Nevada IPAs, I recorded my four 2023 resolutions last Saturday, hoping ultimately that I can at least keep one. Since I’ve never been known for keeping my sentiments to myself (i.e. loud mouth), I’ll share my pledges.

  1. Be Kind- If all of us resolved to be kind and kept that promise, think of what a wonderful world ours would be. And maybe our politicians would actually get something done. Instead of hateful epithets and boorish behavior, their words and actions would be governed by some good old-fashioned compromise. A kind word or two to someone deserving such can have a profound impact on him or her-and. It’s SO easy to do. I’m going to try really hard to remember that.
  2. Be Generous to Others-There can be no denying that far too many “have nots” struggle to make ends meet in this county as exemplified by the number of children (c.700) qualifying for participation in our Gram Lorraine Children’s Christmas Program. And for that matter, that so many Americans lead Third World existences in a country as wealthy as ours is shameful and embarrassing. Not only do I pledge to continue Gram Lorraine, but resolve to find additional means (e.g., backpacks-school supplies-new back-to-school duds) to ameliorate some of the pain concomitant with existing in poverty-especially for the children.
  3. No More B-ing and Moaning- Stop letting petty things bother me to the extent of ruining days in my life. At 80, it’s folly to waste so much of the little time I have left ranting and raving and suffering sleepless nights. When the Dolphins, Yankees and Orangemen lose, let it go! Game over-go read a book or listen to Alexa play BJ Thomas. Instead of screaming at “I can yell louder than you” Mike Wilbon, don’t watch Pardon the Interruption. And no more political conversations!
  4. Spend more time with my daughters and grandchildren.

Regardless of why or who or what, I encourage you to make a New Year’s resolution or two or twenty and like me, pledge to abide. Whether it’s “don’t hate the neighbor or mother-in-law,” “gonna drop 20,” or “no more curse words,” etc., etc., make the resolution and bust your butt honoring it. Despite the dismal (c.8 %) record of resolutions kept, stay the course. After all, we’ve had some 4000 years of practice and no wrath of the gods to face if we fail. Only our consciences. Happy and Healthy New Year to All!