Ralphie and I just got back from a New Year’s Eve hike at North Anna Battlefield, and I felt the Spirit inspiring me to write you all a note. The park had a lot more hikers today than we normally see on a Friday. I noticed that some of them seemed to be in a hurry, really pushing the speed of their hiking. Now, I am not a real fast hiker, I am steady and will get there when I get there. I am not one to rush because when I do I miss the intricate details of nature that are around me. I am sure that the hikers that seem to be rushing might have missed seeing the tiny raindrops hanging on to the pine tree needles that were glistening in the sun or the squirrels and deer that were off in the distance looking for acorns. This made me think and wonder. We are all on a faith journey, a journey that is leading us to God and to heaven, and maybe God wants us to slow down and enjoy the journey. As we are faced with a New Year starting, I encourage all of us to enjoy the journey. Enjoy each other’s company in worship. Enjoy learning and growing in knowledge of our creator. Enjoy the little signs of God’s grace that are all around us, signs that we can see if we slow down to look for them.

Happy New Year,

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Owen