Spiritual Resolutions – Rev. Jim Brazell
Spiritual Resolutions List – I sent these to the Sampler Editor because I thought they might be good filler for an up-coming issue. I saw them as useful for taking up space in the newsletter, and supporting my conceit with how well I was doing as a Christian.
Then the editor replied, “Thank you for the ideas. Your article on these lists will be due Tuesday, January 13th.” Gulp.
“Tackling the list with family, Sunday School class, or in youth group” was the best encouragement. Other than “Eat More Bacon,” my secular resolutions seldom last into Epiphany. But this list connects my passions, my joys, and my worries with others; I am still myself and I am myself in relationship with persons I trust.
I enjoy being part of a worshiping community, joining in song and prayer and conviction with others. I usually sit by myself, in the same area, with the same folks around me, a mini-community within the sanctuary. God can find me outside of my favorite pew, and I can find God more easily from that reference point in the sanctuary. But I don’t mind sharing the space with others.
Volunteering at worship is a new experience again. Helping with coffee hour, working on the video stream, opening doors and welcoming arrivals, these could be ways to grow more relationships. After all, who doesn’t appreciate an open door in January?
Practicing gratitude sometimes takes more effort than I want to give. Bringing a friend? Well, it has happened when I have done volunteer work in the community. Members of the work-team become members of the worship team, for one time, and maybe a bit more. Recruiting leaders takes time, not just to work up the nerve to ask, but to know members well enough to clearly appreciate their potential takes time. Warm bodies filling empty slots does not glorify God.
I think I’ll put these lists on my bulletin board.
Thankfully,
Rev. Jim Brazell, HR