Dear Redeemer Family,
Sometimes we’re unsure of how to end things. As this year winds to a close, here are the three essential practices to help us end the year well: Reflection, Contentment, Anticipation.
Practice #1: Reflection
I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes I will remember your wonders of old.
—Psalm 77:11
One of my greatest weaknesses is a tendency to move quickly from one thing to another without ever taking time to pause, reflect, and remember what I’ve witnessed and experienced. Reflection takes time and intentionality. This is different from nostalgia (idealizing the past) or complaining (moping about the past). Spiritual reflection is best practiced both alone and with others. Take some time by yourself. Go for a walk or sit quietly. Take your mind back to last winter, then remember the season of Lent, the coming of spring, the dawning of Easter, the brightening of summer, the fading of fall, and the emergence of Advent. What did the Lord do in your heart during those seasons? What did you witness in your work, your relationships, your neighborhood, and in our church? Now, take these questions to your closest family members and friends. They will help you remember things you have forgotten and perhaps color certain memories differently than you have. By reflecting together, you each gain a truer understanding of the Lord’s work this year.
*Note: Remember, reflection is not about how I feel about this past year, but on what God accomplished. The focus is not on feelings, but on the Lord’s work.
Practice #2: Contentment
Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.
—1 Timothy 6:6-9
Another of my weaknesses is that I give most of my emotion to unmet desires rather than to God’s provision. My list of perceived needs and wants grows ever longer. There are things I hoped to accomplish this year that did not materialize. I wanted to be in better shape, I wanted to fix up the garage, I wanted to take the kids camping, I wanted to spend more time visiting many of you in your homes, I wanted to invest more time caring for our staff, I wanted to lead our Vestry with more intentionality, I wanted to spend more time with my neighbors here on Palmyra Ave.
My mind and heart are filled with jobs not-done, trips not-taken, relationships not-strengthened, people not-cared-for, and tasks not-accomplished.
And to my end-of-year-unfinished to-do list comes the word of God—the invitation to simply be content.
In 2021 God gave to you and to me everything that we need. He did not give us the year we wanted, but He gave us a year with Him and with each other. In this, we can be content. Breath deeply, friends. Be at peace. Be satisfied. Still the anxious voice inside that tells you that you failed to be your best self this past year. Practice the spiritual discipline of contentment.
Practice #3: Anticipation
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
—Romans 15:13
Followers of The Way of Jesus are not to be fearful about the future, but rather to look to the horizon with hope - anticipating the work of God that is to come. How will God work in us and through us in 2022? What surprises will greet us? Where will we discover that our plans are different from God’s plans? What unlooked-for goodness will our Heavenly Father bring into our midst? What challenges might we endure together?
Here are just a few glimmers of the future that we may encounter in the months of January:
J-Term will launch with 12 unique classes, each taught by members of Redeemer. There are still a few empty slots left, so sign up if you like!
January 9 is Epiphany Sunday and we will joyfully baptize many people.
During the season of Epiphany, we will begin a new sermon series on the meals of Jesus called Revealed in His Hospitality. In it, we will examine how a substantial portion of the ministry of Christ took place at the table with remarkably diverse kinds of people. Through this, we will gain a deeper understanding for how each of us may practice the hospitality of Jesus between two tables: the Communion Table and our own kitchen table.
Redeemer family, I love you dearly. With three days left in 2021, I will practice reflection, contentment, and anticipation along with you.
Let’s end the year well.
In the Father’s love,
artwork: Agnes Martin, Untitled, 1960
