ADK Journal

Renewing a New Year’s Resolution

My desktop computer has just three quotes taped to its outer frame – just three things I like to have in front of me as daily reminders when working.

One of those quotes is by Jonathan Edwards, perhaps best known as a preacher of the Great Awakening. It is one of 70 resolutions Edwards made when a teenager that he proposed to keep his entire lifetime, and it resonated with me greatly when I first read it many years ago:

“Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.”

Those who have read Adirondack Journal here in the pages of Mohawk Valley Living the past few years know that the 2 articles are very often devoted to adventures in the mountains. And the annual report in January is usually a recap – a look back – at many of those adventures.

Well, for the first time in some two decades, I did not climb a single mountain of dirt and rock this entire year. There were new mountains to conquer as the unusual circumstances swirling around all of us necessarily redirecting our priorities and activities into other areas.

Occasionally, someone will ask me

Every step a gift Mark Lowell approaching Noonmark Mountain

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Resolved to live with all my might Justin VanRiper on Gothics

Overcoming the obstacles on or off a trail Mark Lowell in col between Moose and McKenzie Mountains

New Year, New Opportunity!

why over the years I have subjected myself to voluntarily hiking terrain and often in conditions that can at times be brutal? There is no one answer, but one reply is to prepare for times such as these – to remain, not only in good physical shape but in good emotional and spiritual shape as well.

Edwards’ quote took on a greater depth of meaning and significance during the past ten months as everyone I know faced unprecedented challenges – many with livelihoods and their very lives turned upside down or swept away.

Despite the major disruption in daily life, it has been the practice, the discipline, the stick-to-itiveness, the resolve to keep putting one foot in front of the other ever upward on those mountain ascents– despite the obstacles – that has proved invaluable.

And so, my New Year’s Resolution will remain the same – to recognize every moment, every step, every heartbeat as amazing gifts – to live with all my might, while I do live. •

Gary VanRiper is an author, photographer, and pastor at the Camden Wesleyan Church. He has written 19 children’s books with his son, Justin. Learn more at: www.adirondackkids.com

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