Roger Rosenblatt asked teenagers: 

“What will you do - right now, this week, this month - to make a better world?

His article, This Year: Make a Resolution About Something Bigger Than Yourself, posed an interesting challenge. The young people responded in many different ways: some suggested small, bite-sized goals while others thought the whole idea of crafting resolutions for “self-improvement” was a colossal waste of time, noting the high percentage of failed attempts. Others appreciated his challenge and replied: 

“Lend a hand. Offer a word of comfort or inspiration or support or love. Donate money or time. There are so many ways to move this world, right within reach.”

While I appreciate the idea of self-improvement, I also believe that too much navel-gazing is not good for the soul! An unknown writer puts it well: “Now, I’m no astronomer, but even I’m pretty sure the Earth revolves around the sun, not you.”

Perhaps my New Year’s resolution could simply be adjusting where I look. What blessing would I receive if I spent more time looking up to God and looking around for ways, as Rosenblatt writes, “to move this world?”

Our new sermon series will invite us to live our lives in 2025 with focus and purpose. This Sunday’s message, Resolutions: Living Expectantly, will explore what the Bible has to say about living fully as we enter the new year. Please read Hebrews 10:23-25 and Hebrews 11:1-3 to prepare your heart for worship.

May 2025 bring you deep, abiding joy as you step into your 2025 adventure of moving the world. I’m looking forward to seeing you this Sunday; invite a friend. All are welcome. 

Peace,

Pastor Cathy Johns