End of year column

Another new year approaches. Many of us make resolutions. the interesting bet is how quickly so many of them can be broken. Judging by the commercials, I would venture the guess that physical conditioning and weight loss once again top concerns.Not surprisingly, I would like to be a note for spiritual development. I do realize that we aim at integration of body, mind. heart, and spirit. The spiritual seems to me to be neglected in our year end work.

First, it can be a salutary experience to go through the past year with an eye to matters spiritual. Consider making a chart of spiritual highs and lows. Were they based on circumstance or did they emerge as bolts from the blue?  did you have any significant insights into the human condition this year, especially within your own perspectives? Did your horizon expand in a some new way?

Perhaps more importantly, consider using this time to create a personal ritual of burying or disposing of the pain or regrets of the past year. Some things deserve to be dead and buried. The faith offers pardon, release, reconciliation. We crave a sense of peace, and that may be aided by letting go of the pain of the past.

Obviously, the new year beckons for spiritual resolutions. As we start to get a bit more daylight, we can be assured that the darkness will not overcome the light. All of us are mangers for the light within us. Please consider paying attention to creating or firming up some basic Christian habits. For me, bible reading and reflection are critical. Note that reflection is included, for the Bible is more than a collection of wise sayings but for it to live within us, the Sprit may well require some serious and sustained reflection on what you read or hear.

Please consider reading some quality religious material. I realize that the stores and libraries are filled with religious ephemera but consider asking a pastor for some quality material that could sustain you for more than a trifling amount of time. I am constantly alarmed by the impressive material people consume in every walk of life, with the exception of religion. Facing adult issues may well require that we consume religious material suitable for adult needs and sophistication.

Perhaps one could consider deepening prayer life. Most of us are skilled and practiced at prayers of supplication for ourselves and maybe prayers for those close to us in crisis situations. Consider using the psalter to explore “every part of the soul” as Calvin said. Especially look toward psalms of lament and praise. We live in a rut of the mundane, and we can use a template to help us form prayers for the extremes in life, of both sadness and joy. I have found it helpful to rewrite psalms into my own vocabulary and circumstance. It gives a fresh dimension to the ancient form and give sthe spirit room to breathe, move and live within. Some may find meditation alluring and helpful. Some may wish to utilize their artistic gifts and pray through careful words of others, or paint, sing, dance a prayer for our various needs and moods. Enacted prayer has a long pedigree, and we may do well to avail ourselves of those ancient arts. In our new 6PM service, we are being careful to open those dimensions of prayer up to our people. To take some time with the arts invites us into the creative process, including that of our Creator God.

2013 can beckon with more than a promise of fitting back into 32 waist jeans or a size 5 dress. Colossians 3 speaks of clothing oneself with virtues. If we pay attention to the nurturing and development of those virtues, we may find that we are worth far more than a new fitness regimen. We can see ourselves anew, with a life than deserves its light to shine for all to see.