There are 15 hours left of the year 2021. How should I use them? 15 hours isn’t a long time but — If I left now, I could be in Disney-world if I had a desire to go there. Or, I could grab that Stephen King novel that has been sitting beside my Sunporch recliner for nine months and read it. I could grab my thermos cup, fill it with coffee and head to the basement study and finish up the sermon I have started for next week. I could go out and top off the bird feeders for the last time in 2021 but it has been raining, and is projected to start raining again within the hour, so that’s out. Or —- I could just sit in my recliner in the family room with the fireplace going and listen to Ms. Kate gently snoring over in the other recliner. Life is full of choices even at this late in the year. 

Yesterday I conducted my second funeral of the week. It was a family private affair. The deceased had already been cremated so it was a memorial service. I didn’t know him well but what I did know of him, he was a nice guy and loved his family. And, — I love his family too. I think that makes nine funerals I have done this year. Not all were my parishioners but were family members of parishioners. I was honored to be asked to conduct last rituals for their loved ones. Believe it or not, I consider that an honor requiring a great deal of trust. 

I’m glad to say that Ms. Kate and I are getting past this aggravating cold that we have. I’m hoping that was all it was and not Corona Virus. But, I took all precautions at both of the funerals I conducted this week and stayed away from people and wore my mask just so I didn’t pass anything along to anybody. I’m happy to report that last night was a great night. I don’t think I coughed or had to blow my nose even once during the night and I got a fairly good night’s sleep. Ms. Kate didn’t do too bad either although she got up early this morning and moved to the recliner in the family room. But she hasn’t been doing much coughing etc. either. Praise the Lord, I think we are on the mend finally. But this one has been nasty. We both had COVID last October/November of 2020 and it didn’t seem as bad for me but —- as you know,, we nearly lost Ms. Kate over it. 

Do you have any big plans for New Years Eve this evening. You know we don’t of course. Although, I think I may have to run out and get a can of Black-eyed Peas. Can’t start the year out without them. LOL

Do you have any big plans for the year 2022?  So far, our only planned trips are to Disneyworld at the end of January and maybe to PA for a military reunion in September. I know I have two wedding on the books for young parishioners, one in April and one in November, and we have Julie graduating with her BA in May. So see, ya’ got to have thing on the list to look forward to. One of the members of my St. Lucas church has mentioned that he would like to start a “new member movement” in 2022. I find that exciting because new member movements in rural family churches are a rarity. I’m thrilled to hear his ideas and seeing if he actually has a marketing plan. 

How about resolutions? I quit making resolutions years ago. I just hope to make each day better than the one before and try not to repeat mistakes and or sins. The rest of the time, I’m extremely comfortable to simply walk with God and let God point the way, and trust God if the path becomes difficult. 

As you spend the next few hours in 2021, take time to reflect on your year and give God thanks for each and every day. Then pray for full and confident guidance through out the next year. Peace.