EMBRACING NEW BEGINNINGS

The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom then shall I fear?
the Lord is the strength of my life;
of whom then shall I be afraid?

[psalm 27:1]

My wife and I spent time over the Christmas holiday reading the annual newsletters that accompanied the many cards and letters we received.

It’s fun to catch up with people we rarely hear from and learn what has happened in their lives over the previous twelve months.

Some are brief, as ours was this year – the shortest on record (eight sentences)!

Others have way too much detail, and even though we are interested, we don’t require a month-by-month listing of events.

I confess that I’ve been just as guilty in years past. I’ve kept all the ones I’ve sent previously and have come to realize that a little more focus might have made some of them a little more engaging.

The same applies to this exercise.

There are days when I question the value of sitting at my desktop and cranking out eight hundred to a thousand words on a weekly basis.

Why do I do this, I ask myself?

If you read the “About” section of my website, you’ll know that I began this as therapy when my mother was in the final days of her earthly life some sixteen years ago.

I’ve always loved writing. Expressing my thoughts and feelings on a page has always been a source of comfort and consolation for me.

During my time in active ministry, sermon writing and preaching was invigorating.

And now that I am retired, this is the only outlet I have to share my ideas and opinions.

I try, as much as possible, to root them in scripture. My faith informs and inspires me.

And even though I write primarily for myself, I hope that somehow my words can be a resource to those who may be looking for a nugget of motivation and wisdom somewhere.

At this time of the year, almost everyone who engages in this type of devotional writing is either reflecting on the year that is about to end or anticipating the year that is about to begin.

In a few paragraphs, I will attempt to do both.

Earlier this year I ended my time in active parish ministry. I had actually retired five years ago, but continued to serve on an interim basis to two congregations that were in transition.

I still want to serve, although on a much more limited basis. So I will be open for occasional Sunday supply (sub) in the coming year.

I don’t hide the fact that I love being in relationship with people. I would tell anyone who would listen that the greatest joy I would experience in my more than two decades of ministry happened every Sunday when I was with the people of God at the time of celebration.

These moments were life-giving and enriching to this vocation to which Christ has called me.

When I am not in the pulpit, I will do my best to write weekly, twice a week whenever possible.

I will try to limit myself to no more than a thousand words. People stop reading after a certain point, especially if they see that the article goes on and on.

I admire those who read on mobile phones. A long essay can seem like one of those grocery store receipts that you get at the checkout counter. (I try to find and tear off any identifying information, then throw the rest into the trash bin on the way out.)

Hopefully, my words can ascend beyond the chaotic political climate in which we live, and help you, dear reader, do the same.

One can find more than enough of that noise elsewhere.

Yes, we will address current issues, but in a way that will hopefully provide clarifications, not complications. We will seek grace, not grievance.

I am reminded of and heavily influenced by the Apostle Paul’s words in his letter to the Ephesians:

Let no evil talk come out of your mouths but only what is good for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29) 

As we head into the year 2026, I look forward to a more hopeful world, a more peaceful world, a world where righteousness is the order of the day, where, in the words of the prophet Micah, we can “do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God.” (Micah 6:8)

I close with a portion of a meditation from Howard Thurman, “This Is a New Year.”

[A new year] may mean an encounter with God on the lonely road or the hearing of one’s name called by Him, high above the noise and din of the surrounding traffic. And when the call is answered, the life becomes invaded by smiling energies never before released, felt, or experienced. In whatever sense this year is a New Year for you, may the moment find you eager and unafraid, ready to take it by the hand with joy and with gratitude. (Thurman, p. 183)¹

Happy New Year, everyone!

Let us pray:
God of new beginnings, you wipe away our tears and call us to care for one another. Give us eyes to see your gifts,, hearts to embrace all creation, and hands to serve you every day of our lives. We ask this is the name of Jesus. Amen.
(Revised Common Lectionary Prayers p. 45)

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1. Thurman, Howard. The Mood of Christmas and Other Celebrations. (Richmond: Friends United Press, 1973.) ↩︎