Sights and Insights
Devotion for Jan. 4, 2021
For this I will extol you, O Lord, among the nations,
and sing praises to your name.
Great triumphs he gives to his king,
and shows steadfast love to his anointed,
to David and his descendants forever. – Psalm 18:49-50 (NRSV)
As this new year has begun, have you been inundated yet with articles about changes to make for this year? Seen enough lists about ways to make yourself better and your life happier? Have you made resolutions? I am not particularly into making resolutions. I have also written and spoken about the need to accept the changes that we faced with these days many times over the past year. While that theme is a common one for devotions at the beginning of a new year, I am not sure that it is something that needs to be heard again at the beginning of this year. I think everyone is quite aware that another year means a step into an uncertain ride that will surely be full of twists and turns.
Instead, let me wish you a sense of continuity this year. May we find comforting rhythms and rituals in the unfolding of this year. May we rest certain in the steadfast love of God that withstands whatever circumstances that may arise. May we take joy in the God who shows up for us each and every day, and may we be for one another a community whose love and support we can all count on. In other words, may you find some ordinariness in this new year.
Of course, as I wish this to you, we are in the midst of more transition within the St. Matthew staff. Last Thursday we celebrated the ministry of administration that Kim Bohley has engaged in for so many years at St. Matthew. I certainly personally give thanks for her guidance to me as I entered this congregation and re-learned the details of congregational ministry after my years in other types of ministry. As she begins her retirement, several congregation members stopped by to wish her well. May God be with her in this next phase, and may she not be a stranger here. Meanwhile, today is the first full-fledged day of work for Mary Van Osten taking over that administrative role in the office. I look forward to her ministry among us.
