New Year's Day

 

We cross the threshold into this New Year, I think back on a story from last year.  When Pfizer released its vaccine many of the vials had an extra dose or two.  Medical professionals had been told that each vial had five doses.  But suddenly there was more inside, enough to inoculate at least one and in some cases two more people.  This was because there were different syringes being used and the company wanted to make sure there was plenty inside the vial.  That sound you hear is angels singing, “Hallelujah!”  But wait, was it safe?  Was it really okay to give the extra to a sixth or even seventh person?  Inquiring minds needed to know.  Some places threw away the excess and extra.  Insert the image of Van Gogh’s painting, “The scream” here.  Noooo!  Pfizer immediately released a statement that, “Yes the extra was safe.  Yes, please use every last drop of the vaccine.”  Still some insisted to throw the leftovers away.  

This is a parable about God’s grace.  There is always more than expected with God’s grace.  And unfortunately, too often, we toss and throw out what we don’t think we need.  Sometimes we do that because we are unsure that we can really share the grace with that person.  Sometimes we do this unintentionally.  Sometimes we just make a mistake.  Sometimes are minds are so hardwired in scarcity that we don’t know what to do with abundance. 

God’s grace is the original inexhaustible resource.  God’s grace is new each and every day and especially on this the first day of 2021.  To live each day this year as though God’s grace is unceasing and God’s love unconditional and that truth changes everything.  That is my prayer for you and me on this New Year.

God of all time, help us enter the New Year quietly,
thoughtful of who we are to ourselves and to others,
mindful that our steps make an impact
and our words carry power.
May we walk gently.
May we speak only after we have listened well.
Creator of all life,
help us enter the New Year reverently,
aware that you have endowed
every creature and plant, every person and habitat
with beauty and purpose.
May we regard the world with tenderness.
May we honor rather than destroy.
Lower of all souls,
help us enter the New Year joyfully,
willing to laugh and dance and dream,
remembering our many gifts with thanks
and looking forward to blessings yet to come.
May we welcome your lavish love.
In this new year, may the grace and peace of Christ bless us now and in the days ahead.

- Vinita Hampton Wright