One of my Seminary teachers from long ago recently sent some devotions my way. In there, he reminded me of a sentiment from one of our sisters in the faith. From our heritage, our expanded Christian family, is Dorothy Day. She worked boldy at times and gently at other times within and through her Catholic church to help the poor.

She once said that she wanted to live her life in ways that would only make sense because God exists.

In this blessed New Year, I invite you to consider your plans, to consider your actions, your reactions, your dreams, goals and hopes. What do you do in your life that only makes sense because God exists?

For me, I pray, and I will strive to pray more. I will pray for you, for this beautiful world God did create. Prayer clearly only makes sense because God exists. Prayer connects us to our Eternal Love; the very God who created you and me. Prayer deepens our trust in God. What else does prayer do for you?

Someone gave me a sign: God answers all prayer. Sometimes God says, “Yes!!” Sometimes God says, “No.” and sometimes God says, “You have got to be kidding!”

We do pray. We pray for others and for ourselves. Sometimes we get just the answer we are hoping for. Sometimes we are surprised. Sometimes God’s answer seems quiet. We do pray.

We read God’s Holy Word. There have been many who have read once, just for context or history, curiosity or whatever. We read listening for God’s Holy Spirit. We read again and again, listening for God’s encouragement, correction and direction in our lives.

The ways we treat one another–through the happy, the sad and the troubling–those ways are certainly enriched when we live out our belief in God who loves us. God clearly has something to say about how we treat one another. Social scientists discover anew all of the benefits of what we know to be grace. We live into grace and mercy–the ways of love–sometimes before we have understanding of the socially scientific benefits.

What more do you do? How will you approach 2020 living uniquely knowing that God not only exists but God loves you dearly?

May you be richly blessed through the ups and downs of this coming year. Through your plans and through your surprises, may you be blessed to know, to more clearly know the love and strength God has for you. May you be blessed to enter more and more fully into the joy, the rich and eternal joy, God has for YOU!

Happy New Year!

Rhodie