Well, here we go, another year. Are there resolutions you are going to keep, think about a lot or forget soon?
I have never liked New Year’s resolutions. It has always felt like a set up for failure. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye I am ready for personal improvement, life changing plans, a new me! And then, a Monday comes, slushy weather hits, the momentary high I felt is no match for a comfy couch, my new fluffy socks and endless scrolling and tv opportunities.
I really have learned we don’t get into the conditions we’re in, good or bad, in one day, so easy does it, but do it. Extreme thinking, all or nothing, is not helpful.
I will continue in 2025 to do much of what I was doing in 2024. I will continue serving my congregation. This is an amazing community of faith that shows up, invites and welcomes everyone and serves our neighborhood. This takes lots of intentional work over time and requires attention to the important little things. The little things make the bigger things possible.
I will continue to study, pray, worship, serve and be amazed at how God shows up in our everyday living. I want to be among the kitchen table saints who love and serve in the most holy ways without even knowing they are being saints. You know, Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, naked and clothe you…..
Ministry is pragmatic. Holiness is in the ordinary.
I will continue to help people learn connections between faith and finances. Irreconcilable financial difficulty is the number one cause of divorce. Fears about money, anxiety over finances, maxed out credit cards, not knowing if the rent will get paid, all these are real existential realities for so many.
It does not have to be that way. There is a better way.*
I will continue to make funny videos on Instagram, share God Shots, Gospel Glasses ideas, Holy Hot Takes, create some teaching videos and do some awkward dances.
I will continue to hold onto Jesus, to pray when the words are fleeting, to sing when I cannot pray and to worship. As Philip Melanchton said, “Worship is faith struggling against despair.”
I will continue, as long as I have breath, to say to everyone, Jesus loves you and I do too.
Happy New Year everyone. See you in church.
*the next Financial Peace University class will begin at St. John’s, in person, on January 12th. For more information email Pastor Foster at revkatrina@gmail.com