(The following was written in December 2006, but the message is relevant every day of our lives.)

“Happy New Year!” Another year is fast approaching, just around the corner, and you know what will happen as the countdown brings us into 2007: the phenomenon and dilema known as the New Years Resolution. Many people make them and never attain them. Others achieve part but not all. There are a few that reach their set goals and then there are those who no longer try to set goals because of too many failures.

But what tends to seperate those who attain… from those who don’t? And how can we move from the “many” to the few? Jesus has something to say about receiving the transforming, abundant life that God has to offer - “Many are called, but few are chosen.” The opportunity is available to everyone but few reach what is made accessible. Why is this?

Think of a majestic mountain. The masses travel by this mighty mountain and say, “wow! That’s beautiful!” They gaze at it all day, anytime they are near, and imagine what the view of the of the valley must look like from the top - breathtaking. But they are content with the dream and would even enjoy hearing stories of those who have made the ascent to the top of the mountain.

Then there are those who don’t even see the mountain. They travel by it with some level of consistency but they are so focused on the valley of their lives that they never look up - and if they do, their mindset and vision have been so degraded that while others are saying “wow” they don’t see what the big fuss is about. “It’s a big rock. Just like the rocks beneath my feet.” No awe… no dreams.

Then there are those few who stare at the great mountain and are not content with only the dream of being at the top - they want to actually go to the top. So they plan and begin the trek up the path. Along the way, things get trecherous as they come closer to their goal - and some give up - it’s not worth th risk of losing their lives.

Then there’s the handful that are left - who are so determined to experienced the top of the mountain first hand that they press through hard trails and wild animals, strong crosswinds and freezing temperatures, tired muscles, bruised bodies and even broken bones, fears, solitude and deep fellowship with those journeying with them. In the end they stand at the highest point of that great mountain - weathered and winded but somehow the joy of the moment becomes their strength. In the cool of the morning or the dawn of the evening they look out over the vast land - seeing what others are unable to see - what others can only dream of seeing. And from that moment on they live their future out of that experience.

And in that moment they realize a universal truth: we will often disqualify ourselves from many things - usually beccause we are so caught up in the way things are that we don’t want to yield to the task and do what is necessary to change, grow, be challenged and improve. “Happy New Year!”

Let me know what you think?

Allen Paul Weaver III