A Brand New Day
Jan 7th, 2009 by Hope Luckie
As I walked to work this brisk morning, I wondered what the first day of a brand new semester would hold. Could this be the beginning of new season of sharing the abundance of our resources with others? Will we join our intentions for health and renewal with our desire for lives that are more loving and gracious? Is this the time for change?
Yes, change is everywhere. From new classes to new presidential leadership, we are surrounded by change. Today we are being challenged to change. In the light of this new day, we are being called to reach out in love and share our abundance with the least, the lost and the lonely among us. What a great opportunity! What a wonderful challenge for us as we begin a new year that promises to be full of adventure and transformation!
Each New Year begins with a list full of new resolutions and new commitments. I don’t know about you, but resolutions are not one of my strengths. I always start out strong and crumble in the first few weeks. We all know that change is hard; however, it is important to remember that change is not impossible! Each day brings opportunities for change and transition.
As we begin again, I am reminded of the one for whom our University is named, John Wesley and his Covenant Renewal Service. During this New Year’s service, people recommit themselves to one another, to the work of the Gospel, and to being in relationship with God. The heart of the Covenant Renewal Service is the Covenant Prayer, which asks all of us to take an honest look at our lives of faith, to be aware of our need for God’s grace, to accept this grace and to commit ourselves to life-giving relationship with our Living God. In this hopeful season – a season of new beginnings, we are encouraged to renew our commitment to one another, to our University community and to God.
The following is the prayer John Wesley wrote and we are encouraged to pray in this New Year: I am no longer my own but yours. Your will, not mine, be done in all things, wherever you may place me, in all that I do and in all that I may endure; when there is work for me and when there is none; when I am troubled and when I am at peace. Your will be done when I am valued and when I am disregarded; when I find fulfillment and when it is lacking; when I have all things, and when I have nothing. I willingly offer all I have and am to serve you, as and where you choose. And now, O glorious and blessed God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, you are mine and I am yours. May it be so forever. Let this covenant now made on earth be fulfilled in heaven. Amen.
May it be so – now and forever. Wishing you the gifts of God: hope, peace, joy, love, and renewal in this and every season.