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It’s that time of the year again! The time when we hear so much about New Year’s resolutions. We’ve all made them, and we’ve all broken them! And yet, we still carry on the tradition. 

Historians tell us it is an ancient tradition, indeed, that could go back as far as 4,000 years! That’s right. Those in the know claim the ancient Babylonians were making and breaking New Year’s resolutions long before there was a ball dropping in Times Square on New Year’s Eve. For the most part, Americans today are resolving to lose weight, save more money, or break some harmful habit. Over the years, though, I have encountered some people who have been creative and thoughtful with their first-of-the-year resolutions.

Take, for example, Uncle Earl. At least that’s what everyone called him. He was a countryman if ever there was one who lived at the end of a seldom-traveled dusty road in that wonderful part of the world we call the Dark Corner. 

It was at that time between Christmas and New Year’s that I dropped by to check on Uncle Earl. Of course, he was “tolable” as a countryman is likely to say. And they usually go on to explain that means they’re able to eat, but not able to work. Our conversation on that chilly December afternoon went something like this:

“Uncle Earl, have you made any New Year’s resolutions?”

He gave me a side glance that said, “You sure are gettin’ personal.” But he politely replied.

“I reckon I’m resolved to keep my pocketknife sharp.”

Thinking he was playing with me, I said, “Seriously, Uncle Earl? Of everything you could resolve to do you think keeping a knife sharp is that important?” 

Then, as if to prove the point, he pulled out an old, much-used yellow-handled Case knife. He opened it up and said, “Feel that edge, but be keerful.” 

Sure enough, the worn and much-sharpened blade carried a razor-like edge. Then he philosophized,

“You see, son, you never know when you’re going to need a sharp knife. When you’re on your way to church you may have a string hangin’ from your pants that needs cuttin’. Of course, a sharp knife’s a must if you’re cleanin’ fish or guttin’ a squirrel. And when you’re peelin’ an apple for your grand young’un you got to be sure your old knife is sharp enough to take the skin off in one stroke so the child will think you’re a genius. And there’s hundreds of other uses for a sharp knife out here in the country. So, I suspect for the next year I’ll be sure this old Case can do the job.”

I never forgot that conversation. And so, every New Year’s Day, without fail, I take my pocketknife out of my pocket, open it up and feel the edge. It’s a good time to remember the importance of keeping myself sharp as well as my knife in the new year to come!