“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

– John 10:10b, NRSV

As we end one calendar year and begin another, our greetings are often filled with wishes for good health, peace, joy and, of course, love. They are what we wish for others, but also, what we wish for ourselves. If we are at all reflective, it’s a time for taking stock of the year that has passed and for looking forward with hope.

There is always the question, to borrow from poet Mary Oliver, of what did I do with my ‘one precious and wild life’ over the course of this past year? Where would I like a do-over, with what or with whom do I need to reconcile, what brought disappointment, sadness, or grief? Conversely, where did I find joy, hope, meaning, purpose, and connection? In the year that lies before me, for what or for whom do I hope, how would I like to grow more fully into the person God has created me to be, what new adventures, opportunities, and relationships beckon?

An old Gaelic prayer tradition says “Thank you!” for all that has been, and “Yes!” to all that lies ahead. The gratitude, optimism, trust, and hope expressed in such a simple prayer are profound. In it, I am acknowledging all the blessings in my journey (whether recognized or not), and I am leaving it in God’s hands to guide me into the future. The God who knows what I truly need. The God who knows me like a shepherd knows each one of his sheep.

When Jesus says, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly,” he is speaking as the Good Shepherd about the sheep in his care. What does that mean for me or you as one of those sheep? What does it mean to live an abundant life? What does it mean to recognize that we are in fact part of the herd, part of the larger community?

The theme for this winter-into-spring at Christ Church is “A Life Well-Lived: The Abundant Life. Faith. Connection. Wellbeing.” I believe that our wellness (the abundance that we experience in life) is directly connected with our trust in God and with the gratitude we express for it. Believing is seeing, not the other way around. I also believe that our wellness is inextricably linked with the Wellbeing of all.

So, I want to invite you this winter-into-spring to get curious about the bigger picture in this city, the pasture for all the sheep that live here. What does it take to experience Wellbeing? How might someone else who differs in race, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, physical capabilities, political views, etc., answer that question? I also want to invite you to be willing to be uncomfortable. How do you and I roll up our sleeves and help cultivate Wellbeing so that every person in this community experiences dignity and flourishes?

Stay tuned for some upcoming programs. On February 4, at 10 am in All Saints’ Hall, we will host Liz Clasen-Kelly, Chief Executive Officer for Roof Above. During Lent, there will be two Sunday programs based on a book by Eric Liu (a previous Faith Forum guest) entitled, You’re More Powerful Than You Think You Are. These programs will explore what it means to work together in a polarized world to build an equitable community.

Thanks for all that has been, and yes to all that lies ahead! May we boldly ask God to lead us out of our homes, out of our own neighborhoods, out of the paths we usually travel, and out of our comfort zones to what God has in mind for us – which is far more than we can either ask or imagine!