New Year resolution? Jan. 2019

New Year resolution? 
Pastor’s Ponderings – Jan 2019
Mary Oliver asks the question, “Tell me, what is it that you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” This question comes at the end of a poem entitled The Summer Day. The poem feels more spiritual than religious and honors the beauty of the world. These words break open the beginning of the year and call us all into the next 12 months.
Have you thought about a New Year resolution? Have you thought about goals or wishes for 2019? Have you prayed that you would have more health, more time with family and friends, eat better or get your finances in order? If you have, you are not alone. But usually, these kinds of “resolutions” are what Mary Poppins would call a “pie crust promise, easily made and easily broken.” I wonder what the opposite of a “pie crust promise” is?
We get one body to walk around in and when that body wears out, it is our time to rest. We’ve said “good-bye” to some beloved friends and family over 2018. We’ve prayed and held hands and asked God for peace in the midst of illness. We’ve asked God’s help to get through grief and the flood of memories. We’ve told God what we think about it all and through it all you’ve supported and loved one another. The community of this church is powerful, generous and changing the world.
Our days wearing our flesh suit do not go on forever, but for the days we have, what is it that we and you are called to do? A few years back there was another fun poem getting shared around about getting old and wearing purple and a red hat. It was a buoyant, hilarious poem! I knew women who took the poem as a challenge and got together every month for lunch and wore red hats and generally had a fabulous time. They truly embraced their “one wild and precious life.”
The Psalmist proclaims, “Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth (Psalm 66:1).” This proclamation is generally taken to be for the singer, and that’s fine, but maybe it shouldn’t just be a faith statement for the musically gifted. Listen to the laughter of children. Remember the sound of a wave folding over on the beach. These are certainly joyful noises and there are so many more! Birds singing and train noises and the kitchen timer going off when a batch of cookies are finished! All joyful noises and definitely part of our precious days.
Let the world hear from you and be bold with joy! Jesus says, “I have come that you might have life, and have it abundantly.” The life that Jesus came to give us and the wild life Mary Oliver reflect on demand a joyful noise. It’s time to meet a new year! I pray yours is overflowing with love!
Let us have Joy and have it boldly in 2019!
Rev. Dr. Leigh Ann Shaw

One Response to “New Year resolution? Jan. 2019”

  1. Helen robertson says:

    Thanks for sharing. I’m printing this out. Many reminders I must remember. At my age, I need to read…read.. then again, to remember. Blessing.

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