Happy New Year! The energy the turn of a page brings cannot be understated. The opportunity to start fresh is powerful, regardless if you are moving from second to third grade, into a new career or simply turning the calendar day over, launching into a new year ahead. A full 365 days to move toward your dreams and calling.
I was so inspired over the past few days while reading “Our Better Angels,” written by Jonathan Reckford the CEO for Habitat for Humanity. I am well aware of the organization, but have not been involved and honestly had no idea of the stories that he unfolded in the book. Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Ruth, have been vested fully in this work for many years, and their work on homes while well into their 90s was enough to give me a swift kick in the pants (as my grandmother used to say).
Sometimes, we all need to a bit of a shake up to realize we can make a difference no matter what resources, circumstances or age we find ourselves at.
The title came from President Lincoln’s first inaugural address, he expressed hope that we could all remember our shared unity if we would hearken to “the better angels of our nature.” I felt like that was a solid statement as we launch into the year. My mind tends to go to the “What ifs.” As in… What if we all chose 2021 to focus on each other... for us all to make a commitment to serve others every single day? What if we all found ourselves stopping by a nursing home with a cheery card for the resident who needs it most? What if we stopped to listen, made that call, committed to sending messages of appreciation out each day? What if we truly went on a mission to understand poverty –– how it happens in our country and what needs to happen for us to collectively and meaningfully move toward a better world? What if?
I am in the midst of my 2021 planning and I don’t know yet how often I’ll blog, but I do know that God continues to call me to do so. I have changed over the years from 3 times per week to 2, for example. I would love to hear any feedback you have so I can learn from it!
What I do know is this idea of “To Serve Well” was a God-delivered title and a focus that I will likely always have. I may finally push my small book off to print this year. The manuscript has been sitting dormant for I think 2 years now… I’m not sure what the world needs, but I do know that I hope to do my part. I would love nothing more than to know I served well. It is my belief that we were all put here to do just that and to live out being the hands and feet of Jesus to all that God has placed in our path.
Have a truly great celebration this week, regardless of how small it might be… I’m praying that the intimacy of the moment as we transition to the new year brings you great joy.