Written by Becky de Lijster
Sunrises, seedlings, pointy sharpened pencils, crisp blank pages, buds on a tree, fresh baked bread… all of these things make me happy. They mark new beginnings and fill me with anticipation of what may be — what will this book, this day, this garden, this season hold?
I am not a resolutions gal (they make me feel pressured). But I am a new beginnings person! Every day I am given the opportunity to begin anew. Each January offers us closure to the previous year and opens the door to the New Year.
New beginnings invite us to try again, to lean into his mercies once again, and to anticipate the work of God in our midst.
The new buds, the fresh bread, and the open heart are all the work of God. I want to enter this new year with an open heart, eagerly awaiting what God will do. As children of a sovereign and good King, we can be hopeful in each new beginning. The author of light and life is at work in and around us.
As we come with hope into 2021, I want to encourage you to reach out toward your new beginning. Choose how you will step into this new year, and what you will value.
Regardless of current events (and the chaos of 2020) the goal of knowing God is still the highest value for us who belong to him.
We were created to know him. God is ready to reveal himself to you, to enable you to fulfill your created purpose. As you look toward this coming year, ask to experience him in new ways — for your head and heart knowledge to grow bigger, for your awe to be inspired by his power, and for your heart to rest deeper in his love.
Valuing God above all else will require intentionality on your part. TCS provides opportunities for you to know God more and to engage with his people:
Check out our Community Groups, Men’s and Women’s groups, the Daily Prayer Project, and Kids corner.
Prioritize Sunday Worship in person or online.
What about some Christian biographies? History has so much perspective to lend us, and faithful men and women who have gone before us challenge and encourage our hearts for what God does through his people.
What about service? Who in your neighborhood needs care? As a community we are supporting Adams Elementary and Sacred Road — get involved! They will have needs in 2021 that you can meet.
Prayer, when have you given your prayer habits a fresh boost and a renewed commitment? I recently came across a Bible reading plan that has multiple options for commitment (from 5-15 minutes a day) and I plan to begin on January 1st. If you are feeling indecisive or not sure what to do, I invite you to join me! Check out the options at https://www.navigators.org/
There are so many ideas and possibilities for new beginnings. I want to hear your ideas — they build anticipation in my heart for this coming year. Please share them with me and with others in our community (there is space to comment on the blog — hint, hint!) or email me.
The coming year is full of opportunities for God to work in us and through us. Be HOPEFUL my church family, and welcome small seeds of hope as they sprout in your life.