When
I was young, my dad was a BIG Sinatra fan. Whenever we listened to the
nostalgic song, “It Was a Very Good Year,” my dad would say, “Just remember,
Laura Lee, EVERY year is a very good year. Never let them slip away from you.”
That’s
good advice in our frantic, rushing world. It seems we race to the new year so
we can get the old one behind us, as though we’re eager to forget and move on.
I know this has been a very good year for me. I can celebrate the relationships
built in Elizabethtown, moving here and creating new ones, my daughter’s
wedding, good health, lots learned and always, always love given and received.
It’s
been a very good year for Good Shepherd Church, too. You celebrated a long and
successful ministry with Pastor Christi and begun a transitional relationship
with me. In 2014, you continued to do all of those things that are special to
the rhythm of life in this church. You’ve also begun to see some changes: 56
people attending cottage meetings, 40 more people at Rally Day, half-again as
much donated for youth programs at our White Elephant Sale, a bit of growth in
Church School attendance and in worship…..It’s been a very good year for all of
you to glimpse some possibilities for the future. It’s been a very good year
for listening for the StillSpeaking voice of God.
So,
2015 is coming. I know it will be a very good year and I am grateful for all of
the blessings that God showers on the ministries here. I am hoping you will
continue working together to find new ways to be faithful disciples, devoted
Christians and the community of Christ.
New
Year’s Blessings to you all from Pastor Laura Lee
