By Rev. Kimberly Myer
Our prayers at Christmas invited us to focus on the Christ Child. It provided us with the time to reflect upon the birth of Jesus and draw closer to him through our prayers, and our conversations.
Even though life has been very hectic for most through the Christmas season, we are given a wonderful opportunity in January to slow down, to look back and to count our many blessings. To take some time to think about what our next year will look like.
At one time I would set resolutions that were not attainable - or at least not the way they were set up... This year, along with the past few years, the word “resolution” has been changed to “goals” I would like to reach if able, with the help of God!
I would like to share my process with you, and maybe you can discover something in the goal setting that can be a benefit to you.
The first goal that is set is to make time for God each and every day, and not allow life to get in the way.
As many of you know, that can become difficult at times. Yet, we strive for it and do not punish ourselves if we don’t do it as perfectly as we had hoped. I truly believe God understands.
Setting aside the time to pray or talk to God can be done anywhere. That has been a game changer for me. It doesn’t mean rising earlier in the morning or forcing myself to stay awake at night. I wish I was like many of you who can do this, but for some reason it goes well and then...
When it comes to finding the time, for me it means finding a different way to have the conversation / prayer whenever the opportunity presents itself. Whether in the car, in the grocery store, or preparing a meal. Maybe before anyone else arrives at the church. These are golden opportunities to have a talk with the Lord.
The second goal is to decide what it is we want to do this year and present it to God for help.
Asking God what God’s plan is for us, for our work, our ministry, our church, is where we begin. It is through this prayer that we take the time to listen for the answer. To notice things around us that may give us the answer to this question. This prayer helps us to remain in the present moment and not to go running off looking into the far future without God’s direction.
This year my goal is to find peace by being more open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit in all areas of my life. Let me know what your goals are, I would be happy to hear from you!
Let us pray:
O God, we give you thanks for sending your only son, Jesus Christ, may we never forget that you are our ultimate warm and comfortable home where we can spend our time in conversation with you, being surrounded by love and peace wherever we may be. Amen
The AFP Executive wish you and yours and a healthy and joyous New Year!
Rev. Kimberly Myer is the rector of St. John the Evangelist Church, Leamington and AFP Diocesan Representative of Huron.
Please remember to elect an AFP representative for your church. The AFP executive are here to help your representative or to answer any questions about becoming the AFP Rep. Please contact kimmyer@diohuron.org with any questions or comments.