Part 2, Chapter 6
Some of us might remember the days of shoveling snow without snow blowers. It took time and energy, and we got a good workout in doing it. Since the advent of snow blowers with self-propulsion, things have gotten easier. We are able to do more snow removal in less time and we have more energy afterwards. It thus allows us to do more. The same is true with making a resolution. When we make resolutions in prayer, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we find that we are being propelled forward. They are helping us to keep our eyes on Jesus and to do those things that will help us to continue to go in the right direction. Whether that is getting rid of somethings that are not helping us or adding things that will help, either way our resolutions in prayer can be a huge step in the right direction.
There is a difference between general resolutions as to specific resolutions. Both are resolutions and they are meant to propel us toward God, but specific help us to be more focused on one issue rather than a bunch of issues. A specific resolution might be easier to see if we are following through with it. “You must not stop short in general affections, without turning them into special resolutions for your own correction and amendment” (Introduction to the Devout Life, 43-44). Either way, we should be making resolutions that are specific at the end of our prayer because they will help us propel our spiritual life into the devout life.
PS. There were two really good books that St. Francis De Sales suggested in this chapter: The Imitation of Christ and Spiritual Combat. I have included links to purchasing these books on Amazon, but we can always purchase them from our local Catholic bookstore too. I recommend both of these books!!!!