A message from Rev. Kay

            Each and every day we should look back and reflect on where we’ve come from, and look toward where we are going, Now, please do not misunderstand. I am not advocating living in the past. Sadly, there are those who remember “the good ole’ days” and never embrace the present, and life and its opportunities pass them by. It is sad because they are not living in the face of reality, and their memories of the “good times” distort their perceptions, their opinions, and their present relationships … and the past consumes them, and often bitterness and regret prevail rather than compassion.

            However, there is history in the past and we can all learn from history if we take it for what it is – which is the relevance of what we can learn from it – and then move forward, embracing each new day with gratitude and enthusiasm. Lamentations 3:22-23: “Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

            We find ourselves propelling forward into 2023. Yes, as we enter into the New Year, it is only natural for us to review the year past to see what was accomplished. This is true in our personal life and our professional life, but we should also reflect on our spiritual life as well. So, I ask you, take time to take inventory – to reflect – to correct – to learn – to resolve – to make a difference and make a plan – allowing God to direct you – as He continues to renew us every morning – as He gives us the strength to rise up like eagles – as we press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus – as we seek to do His will for his glory and honor – as we trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not to our own understanding – walking in faith, not by sight.

            Therefore, I ask you to look back momentarily on 2022 as you peruse these questions … and then resolutely and purposefully move forward to serve God in 2023.Last year …

• How much time did you spend in God’s word?
• How consistent was your time with the Lord in prayer?
• Was your time with God, or Sunday worship, or Bible study a priority? What changes do you need to make to set your priorities straight?
• Did your witness help to bring anyone to Christ?
• What did you see God do this past year … not only in you, or through you, but around you? How did you see God’s hand at work?

            There are lots of secular inspirational sayings about the past and the future, such as “you can’t start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading the last one;” “don’t let the darkness from your past block the light of joy in your present;” and, as stated by Robert Frost: “In three words, I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life – it goes on.”

            2023 is here – take your spiritual inventory – and press on.  As C.S. Lewis, British writer and Anglican lay theologian said, “There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.”

            My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, I look forward to the journey with you!

Rev. Kay Mueller, Rector – Church of Our Saviour (Okeechobee)