2021

Most of you have likely spent time reflecting on 2020, putting thought into what you’d like to accomplish in 2021. If not, perhaps today is the day to set aside time to really think through where you have been, what you have learned, and who has impacted your life. This effort always makes me feel like I have a more clear picture when working toward the plan I need to put in motion. They say that writing down your thoughts and goals is a key part of achieving them. I totally agree with that. To me, diving in after you write them down is the only option. Taking action not only feels good, but it drives us forward.

What areas of your life do you need to take action on? So many of your ‘one words‘ were so good and inspiring. How do you plan to make that happen? What does peace look like when it’s played out? More time alone to reflect? A deeper prayer life? Time set aside time each morning? What does joy look like? More time with friends? Family? Pets? Doing what fills your soul? What do I need to let go of to optimize my life? How much of an impact can I make?

As you dive in, please know that you have a tribe of people supporting, encouraging and praying for you! I truly believe we can all accomplish whatever it is that helps us be our best. Of course that means, serving well!

Here’s to a more than meaningful and joyful year ahead and a decade that increases our capacity for love and justice. Thank you so much for taking time to read these brief insights. Cheers to you all!

One of the doctors I used to work with had a rather large sign in her office, that said, “This is not Burger King, and you can’t have it your way.” I loved that. I feel like for the last few decades at least, we have been pushed this message all around us… “You deserve a break today,” (McDonalds) “Have it your way,” and now “Be your way” (Burger King), “Because you’re worth it,” (L’Oréal) We’ve been convinced we need a $5 coffee (OK, maybe we do need that?), a large house, a really nice SUV…. you get the point.

Like most of you, I love technology, new products and am a fan of evolving as a society. That said, Door Dash and Whole Foods delivery is now a “thing” in my house. I also have fallen for pretty much every one of those messages… I’m normal, and honestly, if you’ve ever done any mission work, you might know that this is not a great thing about America.

As the new year rolls in, it seems like as good as time as any to hit pause and really seek wisdom. What do I really need? When we were family campers at Pine Cove, one of the messages that stuck with me was “A choice to spend a dollar somewhere, is a choice to not spend it somewhere else.” Hmmm…. That’s clearly true, and yet, I too easily buy that latest Kansas City t-shirt perhaps a bit too quickly & definitely without registering that the same $15 might serve a better purpose in the community.

Regardless of how much it may appear that our society is thriving, it doesn’t take much research to see that 10% of people in Johnson County, Kansas and 15% in Jackson County, Missouri are food insecure (per Feeding America). In addition, of those, almost 60 percent of Kansans and 40 percent in Missourians are ineligible for federal nutrition programs (incomes above 185% of poverty). At an average meal cost of $3.42 in Kansas and $3 in Missouri, the additional needs come in at a VERY BIG NUMBER ($78M and some change)! That’s where on the ground and local food pantry resources kick in. They need all minds educated and activated on this truth.

Those are the brutal facts. Perhaps this is the year I take a hard look at what I’m spending my resources on and take concrete action to ensure it is being used in a way that aligns with my life goals. (Which certainly doesn’t include having more cute t-shirts.)

It’s Sunday! It’s the first Sunday in the new year and I hope you find yourself positioned to take on 2021 with whatever it is YOU NEED! No matter what it is, I hope you know that you have a team of people praying for you to find your power and strength, and to forge ahead with so much positivity and momentum.