“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” – 1 Corinthians 12:27
The new year is a tremendous opportunity for a fresh start. We look forward with eyes wide open, hoping for the best, and dreaming about exciting possibilities. The new year helps us to reset. It is a clear spot on the calendar that marks a moment for us to pause, evaluate, and move forward with a renewed intentionality.
As we begin to move forward for 2020, I want to suggest that we will move forward best if we give thanks for what is behind us. Most importantly, I believe we will move forward in a more productive way, if we will take time to be thankful for the wonderful people who have walked with us on the journey to 2020. We have not lived a life alone and we will not begin the new year alone. Gratitude for who is with us will help remind us that we can move forward with confidence.
I was recently reminded of the blessing that I received as I began to serve my first church as a pastor. We had only been in Fort Cobb about one week. A member of the church, Bob Dyer, contacted me and said he was going to come pick me up and show me around. I jumped into Bob’s truck and we began to ride around town. Bob had lived in the area all of his life. We would stop at a local business and he would introduce me to the owners. We would stop at homes and Bob would introduce me to members I had not met. Over the next several weeks Bob would drive me around, take me to breakfast, and make sure I was part of the community.
I had a wonderful time in ministry at Fort Cobb. As I look back, I give thanks because the success and joy we experienced was due, in part, to wonderful people like Bob who invested their time and efforts alongside my own work.
As I begin this new year, I look forward with great hope that God will do wonderful things in 2020. My hope is grounded in the love and grace of God and the gratitude that comes as I remember I am not alone on the journey. Take a moment today to give thanks for those who are on the journey with you, and who have made a difference with you.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
