Happy New Year! How were your holidays, this year? I find the last holiday of the year to be an awkward and artificial one. I’m awful at staying up until midnight, and I dislike the social pressure that points so many people toward binge-drinking and shallow connections at parties. But the first holiday of the year I do enjoy, as a time to set new intentions, try new things, and focus in on the year coming up. Michael and I made smoothies for breakfast in our new blender, got some exercise together, and spent much of the day puttering around the manse and unpacking. Yes, the unpacking continues – we have not declared victory over the last box yet.
The other great thing about January 1st is that it means the holidays are over! Though Valentines have already been spotted in some stores, for the most part we get to live a few months free of societal expectations for how we spend major days. And in this spirit I offer a nod of solidarity to anyone who feels they have just survived an ordeal… whether one of social anxiety, family dysfunction, disappointed expectations, or just plain old travel stress. I am a Millenial, after all, and so I know well the pinterest-perfectionist pressure to snap the cutest of happy holiday selfies. Maybe you know that pressure too, or maybe you experience a different kind of holiday pressure. In any case, that pressure is now off, thanks be to God. Now, let’s all compare and contrast our New Year’s Resolutions and how our new diet regimens are going (JUST KIDDING! JK!)
On New Year’s Day, at our 5 PM service, I shared a poem by Madeleine L’Engle, and it has stayed in my mind. I share it again, in the hopes that it may help you face the coming imperfections of 2017 both with realism and with great hope.
A First Coming
God did not wait til the world was ready,
Till men and nations were at peace.
God came when the heavens were unsteady
And prisoners cried out for release.
God did not wait til the perfect time.
God came when the need was deep and great.
God dined with sinners in all their grime,
Turned water into wine.
God did not wait til hearts were pure.
In joy God came to a tarnished world of sin and doubt.
To a world like ours, of anguished shame,
God came, and God’s light did not go out.
God came to a world which did not mesh,
To heal its tangles, shield its scorn.
In the mystery of the Word made Flesh
The Maker of the stars was born.
We cannot wait til the world is sane
To raise our songs with joyful voice,
For to share our grief, to touch our pain,
God came with Love; Rejoice! Rejoice!
Every Blessing,
Talitha