As I write this, schools and colleges are abuzz with excitement; children are wiggling in their seats, counting the moments until the bell for early dismissal. Older students attempt to reproduce information for final tests that will satisfy teachers and result in an exemplary grade for the course. It is time for Christmas vacation: time to sleep in, spend a few days with relatives, consume favorite cookies and candies, watch our favorite team play football, and play in the snow.

Many of us are familiar with the adage, ‘time flies when you’re having fun.’ As you receive this newsletter, vacation will be winding down; the left-over cookies and candy have become stale, the gifts that were new only a week prior have lost their luster. Occasionally one might hear, “I’m bored. There’s nothing to do here.” The tree is coming down, the babe and the manger are going into storage, and we’re on to making New Year’s resolutions.

As we get ready for 2010 (I like the rhythm of that don’t you?) I read what God said through the prophet Micah, who lived during a time of turmoil and great distress. Micah was a contemporary of Isaiah and was distressed to see the poor were being mistreated and taken advantage of. He sought to remind the people that God was not impressed with their worldly goods nor the grand sacrifices they were offering.

“And what does the Lord requires of us? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8 NIV) Treat others as we would like to be treated and walk humbly with God. Doesn’t that sound like a fantastic resolution to make for the New Year?

I have a devotional that appears on my computer each day, entitled “Today God Is First”, TGIF. It is written by Os Hillman, beginning with a prayer, a verse of scripture and concludes with a meditation. Many days I am certain it was e-mailed only to me because it fits like a pair of Isotoner gloves. Some days it causes me to pause and reflect, some days it reminds me I might want to consider readjusting my priorities, and some days it truly inspires me to be His servant. It is my hope that you will include daily time with God in prayer and in His Word, and may we resolve to walk humbly with our God.

Happy New Year!

Pastor Mary

P.S. I will be out of the office for most of the month of January. Please feel free to call me, 402-366-6051 (I have voice mail), or e-mail me at mscott@hamilton.net. January 4th – 15th I will be at Saint Paul School of Theology, Course of Study, 5123 E. Truman Rd., Kansas City, MO 64127. I truly will be just a phone call or e-mail away.