Don’t remember the prior things; don’t ponder ancient history.
Look! I’m doing a new thing; now it sprouts up; don’t you recognize it?
I’m making a way in the desert, paths in the wilderness. – Isaiah 43:18-19 (ceb)

I enjoyed the week between Christmas and New Years a lot when I worked at Acorn. That week was quiet, the phones were quiet, emails were light, customers’ demands were down and there just wasn’t a whole lot going on. It gave us a time to breathe and to look back on the past year and what was ahead for the coming year. The funny thing is, the same is still true. I find myself sitting a quiet office, reflecting on the year that is ending. Reflecting on the challenges we faced in 2020 with Covid, the election and the racial unrest in our country. It’s been hard, it’s been frustrating, and it’s been far from perfect, but in the end we are doing alright. I am sure we would like to put it all behind us, but can we? Can we forget what has taken place in 2020? I don’t think so, but I also think that it doesn’t mean that we should dwell on the past either. We can and should move forward and continue to anticipate with joy what 2021 holds for us. I am sure, as prophet Isaiah tells us, God has a new thing for us next year. What is that new thing? I am not sure but with God’s help we will see it and it will be great. The challenge for us is to look, see and listen for where God is leading us in 202, and then follow. Remember, with God all things are possible. So, here’s to a New Year and New Possibilities!

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Owen