Out with the old?

You load sixteen tons, what do you get?
Another day older and deeper in debt.
Saint Peter, don’t you call me ‘cause I can’t go—
I owe my soul to the company store.
--Tennessee Ernie Ford


Since when did “we” decide that anything old is worth less than anything new? It seems like every few months, a brand new [fill in the blank] comes out, and we are encouraged to replace whatever we have. Newer! Bigger!

Better? Maybe—or maybe not.

This time of year, we tend to stop and reflect on what’s happened over the past year or so that’s broken, and make promises (aka resolutions) that next year, things (and we) will be different. But right now, instead of looking for the bad things to get rid of, pause and reflect on the ways you are different in a better way that you were a year ago. Ask yourself:

When did I smooth the path for someone who can’t return the favor?

How have I changed my relationship with the Divine? (Or have I? Should I?)

Have I loved someone whom I might have seen as unlovable in the past? (Maybe even myself?)

Have I allowed myself to be loved?

Leave behind what you no longer need—but don’t jettison everything, just because it’s old. How will your life honor God in 2018?

Monday, (Happy 2018—we made it!) We have journeyed through familiar stories. Ponder what you would offer this unknown Child born of Mary. What’s keeping you from offering this gift to God? Matthew 2:1-6

Tuesday Imagine the various travelers in the narratives—Mary and Joseph, shepherds, Kings—and their willingness to follow without question. Pray for a more willing heart. Matthew 2:7-12

Wednesday Matthew writes of Joseph, Mary and the infant escaping into Egypt. Pause today and pray for the safety of refugees around the world and in your city. Matthew 2:13-15

Thursday Pray today for children who are victims of violence and human trafficking. Pray for eyes wide open to see. Matthew 2:16-18

Friday Pray for world leaders and those in positions of power. Pray for wisdom, compassion and generosity of spirit. Matthew 2:19-23

Saturday As you pray for yourself, thank God for the unique gifts you possess. Ask God to show you how these gifts can be employed to usher in the Reign of God. Matthew 3:1-12

Sunday Meditate on these words: “This is my child, whom I love. In him [or in her] I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:16-17

And now we welcome the new year. Full of things that have never been. 
–Rainer Marie Rilke


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