This year, nothing is wasted
By Anne Arakaki-Lock
“Nothing is wasted with God.”
I know you’ve heard this somewhere, so I can’t take credit for it.
Every moment of our past, including mine – the unfinished projects, criticisms, rejections, wins and losses – led me to where I am this January 2024. It’s a powerful belief that I’m going to try to remember as I start off this new year. You see, I reviewed my 2023 resolutions and realized that I had not achieved all my goals. I also ruminated over rough spots I experienced, including losses, sadness, and illness. There were promises I made to people that I have yet to fulfill. How easily I can disappoint myself and others. Say and do the “wrong” thing.
But instead of getting down on myself, I am going to ask God for forgiveness where it’s due, then accept things just where they are. I don’t like having anxiety, fears, and regrets. I’ve been gifted a new year, a new dawn as I walk alongside Jesus on my journey.
My pain, the skeletons, my woes, along with all the good stuff from this past year and beyond, have led me to where I am now. I know that all of this can lead me to that deep, perfect plan that God has for me. In fact, I trust that God’s plan for all my kids, my husband, and friends, for all of creation, for all of you readers, is perfect.
I am so incredibly thankful for God’s grace, His faithfulness and willingness to take on my brokenness for me to be transformed and reborn with a deeper understanding of love and joy. It feels good to start off my new year again knowing this. I pray, Holy Spirit, that you etch this acceptance on my heart.
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.
Anne Arakaki-Lock serves as a member of Blaine Memorial UMC’s Congregational Care Ministry.
Lectionary Epiphany
| Second Sunday after the Epiphany January 14, 2024 1 Samuel 3:1-10, (11-20) Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18, 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51 |
| Third Sunday after the Epiphany January 21, 2024 Jonah 3:1-5, 10 Psalm 62:5-12, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20 |
| Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany January 28, 2024 Deuteronomy 18:15-20, Psalm 111, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1:21-28 |
| Presentation of the Lord February 2, 2024 Malachi 3:1-4, Psalm 84 or Psalm 24:7-10, Hebrews 2:14-18, Luke 2:22-40 |
| Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany February 4, 2024 Isaiah 40:21-31, Psalm 147:1-11, 20c, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39 |
| Transfiguration Sunday February 11, 2024 (Last Sunday before Lent) 2 Kings 2:1-12, Psalm 50:1-6, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 |
The Beacon is now available!
View the Jan-Feb 2024 Calendar
