Beginnings

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…. Through him all things were made; …. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. …. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognise him. …. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God …. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, …. full of grace and truth. (John1: excerpts NIVUK)

On January 1st I was reflecting on these words about The Word and the first beginning and all subsequent beginnings, coming through the Word, including 2022. What will the year bring? Last year seems a bit of a blur with the virus shaping so many things. We lost friends, kept, and renewed old friendships, had useful work to do, got vaxxed, double and triple vaxxed, things started to open up and then the clamps returned.

So, as I listened to the opening of the Gospel of John at the opening of the year, I heard it being shaped by “The Word”, the Light, the Life of humanity and being a child of God.

What more could we ask for than the Word at the beginning of the day, week, month, year? The giver of grace and truth. The source of light in the darkness which cannot be overcome. I wrote in my journal “That’s who I am as I face this new year – I’m in light, not fear. My hands are open to grace and truth. Being a grateful recipient of Jesus’ grace and truth – my hands are out and ready to be filled, held and guided by the Word.”

In that light and life, it is one foot in front of the other, one day at a time. As I look at the year ahead it is one large unknown. But the opportunities to serve one another are infinite in number and wide in scope.

Conversations are still the lifeblood and energizing centre for all else we do. As I think about last year the conversations were everything from group leadership and strategy, transitions of many sorts, grief, planning funerals and burials, our social media plans, friendship, prayer, conflict management, family challenges, business challenges/stresses and organizational development.

I am hopeful and optimistic at this stage of the journey of life and work and thankful for the support both in encouragement and donations that continues after all these years. It’s a real grace.

So grateful for you, your love, and your wisdom in giving me the confidence and authority to keep doing that which brings me joy and satisfaction – and I pray does some of that for the gracious God we serve together.

Goodness of friendship grow among us

Norm