2024. I am still not used
to saying that. 2024 is a milestone
year. Some of you will remember that 50 years ago
(in 1974) Richard Nixon resigned from office as President of the United
States. This year is a milestone year
for me as it is the 50th
anniversary of some things in my life. Back
in 1974 (50 years ago), I graduated
from college with a B.A. in religion and also became the pastor of a local
church for the first time.
Life is different now than 50 years
ago. Let me give you a few examples:
1. In 1974, the house I lived in had only a telephone
that I spoke on that was attached to a
wire that ran to the house and that line was shared by other people in nearby
homes (a party line). Today, I speak
to people on a phone I carry in my pocket.
2. In 1974, on line was where we hung the clothes after
they washed in the washing machine.
Today, online is where you send email, check your bank balance, or order
a pizza or clothing as you are on the internet.
3. In 1974, you could participate in worship only one way and that is by attending in person. Today, you can attend worship by going on youtube, Facebook live, or some other platform.
I find myself in these days thinking of that passage of scripture that says: “Behold, I make all things new.” Thanks be to God for giving us a new year and a new day. While I am grateful for a new year and to be celebrating 50 years as a pastor this year, I find myself wanting more than to look back to the past. I want to look to the future, and as I look to the future I yearn to be different and to be new. I am reminded of a quote I came across several years ago that says: “Be the change you want to see.” I realize that the place I need to start in seeing the world is different is through being different. Here are a few things I will pursue in 2024 in my quest to be new and different:
I want to spend more time
looking for the good and potential in others and less time in seeing their
faults and weaknesses
I want to tell at least one person a day that “I love them”
If I post anything on social media, I will try everyday to post
something that is positive and encouraging
I want to stop more and see the beauty in the world God has
created and I want to listen more to God in my prayers
2024. New year, new
me. What say you? Have a joy-filled week.- Pastor Randy Wall
PRAYER
-- O God, thank you the gift of this new year and new
day. Create a clean heart in me, O God;
through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
