A new year has already begun. It’s always difficult to sit down and think about where things are right now and wonder about where things are going to be. In some ways making guesses or predictions about what is going to happen over the next 365 or so odd days is a bit like looking at a new born and guessing their height and weight and career path when they graduate college. I saw a cartoon from several New Years back which featured the out going year getting the new year ready for its roller coaster ride. “Close your eyes and hold on tight,” was the caption.
Its one of those things that we joke about, or ponder, asking ourselves what sort of year will it be. Not too long ago one of the kids asked me if I ever wanted to know what all would happen in a year. It’s one of those questions that kids ambush you with that really has no good answer. If you say yes, the follow up which asks why you would want to know is coming quickly as well as asking what you hoped would happen. And if you say no, well expect them to fire back with a question about why you don’t want to know and if there are things which you are afraid of happening this year.
Now there are a few things that we can safely state will happen. If we keep in the predicting a child to an adult there are those instances, those guesses about the child’s size which can to some level be guessed at by looking at their parents. Just like we can predict but…..there are also enough outliers who have very tall parents and end up being 5 feet tall. What about the person you know whose parents were not very tall and they end up being six and a half feet tall. Yes, there is a level of educated in our guessing that happens but for the most part we don’t know what will be.
Those moments we cannot predict, which are the buckle up and hang on tight moments, always come. We just don’t know what they will be or how long they will occur. Just like the moments which are normal and every day mundane. Each year presents us with both joys and challenges, successes and failures over the many days of the year. Just like the cartoon with the roller coaster there will be high’s, lows and lots in between. I heard one minister on a podcast I listen to list off all the divisive things that have already happened this year. As he said it you could hear the worry in his voice as if these first few days and week plus will set the tone for how this year will be.
To all those looking out in fear and worry, know that it will be ok. Not because of what is or isn’t going to happen. That is beyond our control. What will happen? None of us know. I mean we know that we will celebrate 225 years of our church’s life, and our country’s 250 years. But the unknowns will remain just that. What wont happen? Again, we have not a clue in the world. All that we do know is that we have a loving Lord and Savior who looks out for us and cares for us no matter how big or small things are this year. The challenge is to trust in God to see us through all of these challenges. As you look out at 2026, and see opportunity or challenges, know that there is one beside you all through whatever comes. Trust in the Lord, have confidence in God’s support and care when you go through these things, and most of all know that God is with you. Amen