Resolution

Word origins can be fascinating to me. So when I looked at the word, "resolution", I wondered, "Is there a 'solution' in 'resolution'?" And I was right; there was. But that was only the beginning.

Resolution - n - the act of resolving or determining upon an action or course of action, method, procedure, etc. Thanks, Mr. Dictionary. "Resolution" is the act of resolving. Nice. Then I read of the origin, "1350–1400; ME < L resolūtiōn- (s. of resolūtiō ), equiv. to resolūt ( us ) resolute."

Okay, so, resolute - adj - firmly resolved; set in purpose or opinion. I was about to take a swing at Mr. Dictionary again. Seriously ... "firmly resolved" is a definition of "resolute". But, okay, "set in purpose" is better. Thanks. Then the origin caught my eye. "1375–1425 for earlier sense 'dissolved'; 1525–35 for current senses; late ME < L resolūtus, ptp. of resolvere to resolve." "Dissolved"? What's up with that?

So I looked at "resolve". Resolve - v - 1. to come to a definite decision, to determine. 2. to separate into constituent or elementary parts. Oh, now that's interesting. And the origin gives similar insight. "1325–75; ME resolven (v.) < L resolvere to unfasten, loosen, release, equiv. to re- re- + solvere to loosen; see solve." To unfasten or loosen? Hmmm. See "solve". That, you see, was the original question, wasn't it?

So, solve - v - to find the answer or explanation for. (Yeah, like that was news. But wait!) The origin? "1400–50; late ME solven < L solvere to loosen, free, release, dissolve." Okay, you see? Here's the idea. You take a problem, you break it down into its smallest parts, and you figure out how it goes together. You figure out what's wrong and you fix it. You don't band-aid it. You don't patch it. You find what's really wrong and you fix it.

New Year's resolutions rarely work. While some 52% of us make New Year's resolutions, only 12% of us actually achieve them. Not that there isn't value in them. I mean, clearly setting goals is the only way to actually achieve goals. Or, as we all know, 100% of us who did not make any resolutions last year achieved none of them ... or all of them. But the real problem, I think, is our failure to comprehend the nature of "resolutions". The idea is to break down the problems of life into its smallest parts, figure out what's wrong, and find a solution. The solution is likely not a commitment to quit smoking or to lose weight this year. The problem is much deeper, and so is the solution. And "solution" is the whole idea behind "resolution".

If you want to see some genuine resolutions, see what Jonathan Edwards resolved. More than making simple "get a better job", "go back to school", or "travel" resolutions (which, I would suggest, are not solutions), Edwards opted for serious choices starting with "I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God's glory." Edwards has, in fact, 70 resolutions on his list, and he begins with a note to self: "Remember to read over these Resolutions once a week." Edwards, you see, was looking to solve life's big problems -- his sinful self.

How about you? Making any resolutions this year? Do you expect them to actually be solutions, or just something to make you feel better? Do you expect to achieve it? How?