Pastor’s Corner: The Turning of the Year

The turning of the year provides one of those touchstone moments of life, a moment to consider what has been, and what is, and what might be. I grant you that the fireworks display is not the best time to do it, but perhaps in the preparation of the traditional foods, or in some other softer minute, you’ll find the quiet to ponder, to meditate, and to plan.

My year has come with changes that still astonish me, despite the passage of the days, and probably always will. Here I am, among people whom at this time last year I’d only heard about, except for those on the Search Committee. I’m living in a completely different climate than the one I’ve known for over fifty years. To visit another state, for most of my life, meant a relatively short drive, one measured in hours. In fact, in a single day I could drive through six states. Now I need to board an airplane to visit the capital city of this state.

The music is new, the accents are new, the cultural traditions are new, the landscape is new. Even the car I drive is new to me.

So I’m grateful for the moment to pause, to appreciate the wonders, to reflect on the possibilities, and to resolve: I’m going to love this congregation, and this island, and this state, as deeply and compassionately as I know how. In fact, I’m going to learn how to do it better.

Fortunately, the year offers us more than one touchstone opportunity. We have birthdays, and other holidays, to provide additional reflection points. And as worshiping people, we have one each and every week. Sunday morning is a perfect time to take a moment, reflect on your life, look ahead to the future, and make plans for well-doing.

And like a New Year, it is a time to welcome and receive the blessing of God, which I offer here as well:

May God bless you this New Year with abundant life, astounding joy, and abiding love.

Peace,

Pastor Eric