The following was published by The Gisborne Herald on Saturday 14 January 2012:

Another year, another set of New Year’s resolutions.

That seems to be the cycle, doesn’t it? We all mean well. We determine to ourselves that we’ll finally get around to doing what we always said we would do: Travel, have fun, lose weight, get an education, get a job, buy new clothes. Or perhaps your goals are a little more noble: Do good, help the poor, or stand for a just cause.

2012 is only 2 weeks old, and many of us would have already broken our New Year’s resolutions. Again.

What is it about the promises that we make to ourselves that makes them so hard to keep?

Perhaps it’s because we under-estimate the work required, and over-estimate our commitment, desire, and will.

Perhaps it’s because we find things so easy to say, but so hard to do. Talk, as they say, is cheap; but action speaks louder than words.

Whatever your goal, and whatever your promise, it all comes down to one simple thing: You need to make a start.

And that’s the crux, because “starting” seems to be the hardest thing. Amazing what excuses we can come up with, even before we start:

“… it’s too hard. I’m too tired. I’m busy right now, but I’ll get around to it tomorrow.”

And before you know it, another year has passed, and you’ve still done nothing.

The key I believe is making a small start, with something little and achievable. Luke 16:10 says “If you are faithful in the little things, you will be faithful with greater things.” The little things in our lives set the pattern for the bigger things in our lives. And as a wise person once said, “You don’t trip over mountains, you trip over pebbles.”

If you want to reach your goals, and fulfill your promise, you have to take care of the little things first. Everything else will fall into place.

And remember – God doesn’t save his blessing for the best and the brightest, or the strongest and the smartest. He saves His blessings for those who turn up, and who keep turning up every day.

Take care of the little things, everyday, and God will bless you with the rest.

Postscript: I couldn’t resist adding the video below. It’s “Little Things” by Trinity Roots, one of my favourite Kiwi bands.