Happy New Year – is it a proclamation or a question or a prayer? I guess it depends on each of us and what we’ve journeyed through in the previous year. 2024 was a year of heartbreak and pain for me and as we turn the calendar to January 1, 2025, I’m still healing some deep wounds. Today doesn’t feel like a new beginning or any different from yesterday. But I know it is both new and different. I often open my prayers with “thank you, holy, loving God for the new beginning each day is in your Kingdom.” Some days I feel it more than others but I know it’s always true.

In my 57 years, I’ve learned that life isn’t static and isn’t supposed to be and I’m so grateful for that lesson because it enables me to not fight against what is occurring in my life but neither does it cause me to passively accept what is occurring. As Jesus calls the disciples he says “follow me.” It is an invitation into life, the life God created us to live: life lived every moment primarily in relationship with our Creator and also with each other. We are created to journey in this life together and with God as we are shaped and formed by all that Jesus teaches.

In the darkest moments, we know God is with us, holding us, comforting us, giving us strength. And when we lose sight of God’s light we need each other to assure us it’s still there. In the most joyous of times we know God is with us, celebrating with us. And when we forget that we are given all by our loving God to share with the world, we need each other to remind us to practice gratitude and generosity. In all of the ordinary moments of our lives, we know God is with us as we pour a cup of coffee, start the laundry, take out the trash, feed the dogs, make plans for our day and week and month, gather with friends and family, tend to the responsibilities that provide us an income, play, rest, and tend to our spiritual, physical, and mental wellbeing – all that we do in this dynamic life.

My plan for 2025 is to continue to follow Jesus, bringing with me the wisdom of years gone by, growing closer to God, proclaiming LOVE more loudly than the fear and hurt in this world, with God-given confidence and courage. Together, let’s be intentional about continuously becoming who God created us to be, building each other up as beloved Kingdom people, swinging wide the gates and inviting others to God’s ever growing table. Together in 2025 and all the years to come, let’s continuously learn to love better and better.

I am so grateful you are following Jesus with me.