Fr. Frank Majka, SJ – The Bridge

Role Call 2017

I’ve found that my New Year’s resolutions are often short-lived, especially those about food, drink and exercise. Is there a more creative alternative to starting the year than the usual adopting of resolutions?

I got a hint that maybe there is from one of the characters in Shakespeare’s As You Like It who says, “All the world’s a stage/ And all the men and women merely players/. . .And one man [or woman] in his [or her] time plays many parts.” So why not think about the role I’d like to play in the drama of 2017 rather than the resolutions I might make.

Maybe you’d want to try the same thing. For instance, would you like to be the romantic lead in your personal drama or would the role of courageous adventurer be more appealing? Maybe you think it might be fun to play the role of someone who brings joy and laughter to others. Or maybe your chosen part will be that of someone who overcomes adversity, acts as a reconciler and peacemaker or becomes a trusted counselor from whom others seek encouragement and advice.

Then, as the year goes on, instead of focusing on those resolutions which you have or haven’t succeeded in keeping, you could look at the role you’ve chosen to play and see how you are doing with it. Maybe you’ll find that another role fits you better. But no matter what role you select, make it your aim and intention that it give pleasure and satisfaction to God, in whose presence you are playing it out.