As a progressive Christian, I believe there are many names for God and many ways to a loving God; this article reflects one of those ways. Take from here what works for you. Celebrate life with joy and peace!
Ready or not! 2017 here we are! 2016 is in the history books; and we take all that happened in our lives up to this point and mix it with all of the hopes and dreams we have for the New Year and that brings us to today.
Facebook is quite the tool for keeping in touch with people and allows for such interesting expressions. I love when people share their vacations; the little things that bring them joy, milestones in their lives, tragedies. It runs the gamut, doesn’t it?
A friend, and former congregant, Jasper Grant, recently shared something interesting that he’s given me permission to share with you about a conversation at a dinner party about how in January of every year, it seems everyone writes, “2016 is going to be the best year ever!” then ends the year with, “2016 please be over!”
“Why do we do this every year? Ring in the year with such hope and then throw away the final days?”
He goes on to say, “A lot happens in 365 days; in the evolution of a year, many wonderful things happen and many sad and trying things happen. But guess what? That is what it’s all about. Balance. We have to have the sad, the pain, the rejection, the loss, to truly experience the happiness, the joy, the victories, the gains. We can’t just be happy all the time. We are not programmed that way.
“We live in a society where feeling “sad” is not a good thing. “Come on, cheer up!” or “Life is going to get better!” While I am for aiming for an existence full of joy, I know that there has to be sadness along the way. It is necessary for a full life.
“We put so much pressure on this time of year. Lots of sad and intense things are happening every day, and while I’m sad for the passing of Debbie Reynolds, Carrie Fisher and George Michael (and I am sure you can add names of people who are close to you who’ve recently passed) I don’t want to make that the catapult to pack up and shut the door on 365 days of opportunity and living.
“I encourage you to take a moment and think about all the moments that brought you happiness and sadness this past year. They are both equal emotions in my opinion, to be treated with the same amount of thought and grace. It is in those times of taking in the heartbreak, loss, fear and turmoil that we can learn to realize all the love that we have received this year.” Thank you for those powerful thoughts, Jasper!
As we look to another 365 days, let’s make them count. Let’s stay connected as a community; supporting one another, keeping in dialogue when we disagree, being there for each other.
I don’t know what this New Year holds? None of us do. I do know this, I’m not alone. You’re not alone. Look around. Look outside. Look inside. No matter what circumstances you face remember God is with you. Always and all ways!
