Creating 2021

As we begin this new year, lamenting the old one, what will we do differently? Many people have made lists reminding us of the good from 2020, so it would not be cast only as a horror show. For this reflection, I do not want to look back but look ahead to what is unknown. What will 2021 bring, and how will we face its challenges and its blessings?

The year will not just happen to us. We have the power to create our reality no matter the forces of evil that are at work in the world. And there is no doubt the forces of evil are alive and well. A year from now, we will look back on 2021. This is some of what I hope we can write as the epitaph for the year 2021.

• We lived as witnesses to the ever-present overwhelming love of God.
• We embraced those who struggled in their faith and were wearied in life, bringing them hope
• We enfolded those who mourned the losses in their lives, loves, jobs, and security, wrapping them in our love and care. 
• We actively helped them over the rough spots and mourned with them.
• We identified and were responsive to the marginalized and disenfranchised. We welcomed the broken into our lives as brothers and sisters, not allowing them to be looked down upon or belittled in our presence. 
• We heard the cries of protest from those who seek justice in our society. Our eyes were open to their plight. We changed whatever behaviors and prejudices we found rooted deeply in our being.
• We responded with compassion. We suffered with those who suffer not out of pity but because we love them. 
• We prayed. Our relationship with God grew and flourished. 
• We indeed gave to God what is God’s. God was our priority.
• We made peace and worked on healing the broken relationships in our families and community. Our efforts helped turn down the temperature of anger and violence currently present in our world.
• We stood for what was right without fear of being intimidated into silence. That we worked to right wrongs and to witness to the Gospel by how we lived our lives.

The baptism of Jesus by John marked the beginning of Jesus’ journey to teach us the ways of God. He stepped out of the Jordan River and began a three-year quest to plant the knowledge and love of God in our hearts. He had only three years to witness the love and care God has for us, and we are to have for one another.

As we step into 2021, we step into our ministry just as Jesus did when He stepped out of the Jordan. We can do nothing about what is behind us.  Together we will create the year. Together we will write the history of 2021. May we build the Kingdom of God. May we grow closer to God and to one another.

In God’s Unending Love,

Gwen