Our Lord gives us many gifts. They are so plentiful and constant that I have a tendency not to recognize them and so not to give thanks for them as I should. Perhaps our God has allowed me to see a bit of the world so that I might understand how much I have that others do not! Perhaps He has allowed me to experience a tiny bit of the misery in which many of my own countrymen dwell througout their lives. The older I become, the more I am astounded (when I think about it) that God has given me so much!

I begin to have a glimpse of the Calvinist notion of the "elect." And I feel even more our Lord's call to serve, because he has asked me to do so and He has blessed me with many blessings.

I do think that one of God's greatest gifts is that of renewal. New Years is sometimes thought of as an opportunity for renewal or even for change. What a great time to renew our Baptismal vows that were made, for many of us, in our infancy.

In that service just ten days ago, I saw myself as an infant in my parents' arms, presented by our pastor in the Methodist church of Seaford in 1941. I heard the dear voices of that congregation answering that they would help to nurture me in the ways of our Lord, Jesus Christ. And, once again, I felt their love and commitment. I am overwhelmed by the thought that my life might become one in which they would take comfort. I remember what I cannot possibly remember, and I remember it with love and gratitude.

At my Baptism, I am sure that no one thought that my life would be one of comfort and ease. But I do believe that my parents and the church family into which I was Baptized wanted me to have the knowledge that I would never have to face discomfort or evil alone. I hope one day to be in their presence to thank them for their gift to me.

Because of them and their initial instruction in our faith to me, I can look to both the present and the future with faith and thanksgiving. I remember those, whom I cannot name, with love and thanks. I am excited about continuing to serve my Lord as they instructed me to do. I am thrilled that I will never be alone in this world or the next because it is my hope to share it with them and also with you.

Bring on the new year! Bring it on with hope and faith, with thanksgiving and service! Happy new year, my family in Christ! Thanks be to God!

I am Sally, your sister in Christ

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