Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As we welcome the New Year, we naturally wonder about the future and what it holds for us, for our loved ones, for our church family at Grace Lutheran, for our nation, and for many other things. For some of us, 2023 was a good year; for others of us, it was a year we would rather forget. Whatever it was, I'm sure it had its share of joys and sorrows. We really can't predict what the New Year will bring for 2024.
As we anticipate the New Year, the words that come to my mind are words I often say and hear in our home where our three little girls seem to take forever to do what they are told: "What are you waiting for?" It's a question for you to reflect on in this New Year. I've noticed that the time between now and an event in the future I fear - one that makes me nervous and reluctant - seems to fly by and it's here sooner than I want it to be.
But when I am looking forward to a person, place, or thing with great desire and with joyful enthusiasm - well, then, time slows down to a snail's pace. It takes twice as long to get here; so, the waiting is the hardest part. If you are lucky enough to have that kind of person, place, or thing coming your way but it's not here yet (sometimes you don't even know when he, she, they or it will show up), then pray for the patience, perseverance, and peace it will take to make it until then.
So, what should we hope for in the New Year? My wise advice is to find a meaningful and focused goal, a purpose or plan that is realistic and exciting at the same time, and instead of chasing it, let it come to you. You will find that life lasts twice as long as if you had nothing to look forward to! That's probably why summer vacation seems like it will never arrive, why winter for a passionate golfer feels as though it lasts for 10 months, and why that planned vacation feels like it will never start, especially when you have a lot of work to do before you leave.
May God abundantly bless you and yours in the New Year!
In Christ,
Pastor Josh