New Year. New spirit.

Here we are just a little over half way through the New Year of 2018.  It seems to me there are a few checkpoints throughout the year that we go through when renewing our commitments, energy, and focus.  Usually these happen for the secular world in the beginning and end of the Academic year, or with the start of each new semester, and for us in the Church during Lent and Advent.

However what seems to be universal of all places is right after the holiday season entering into the New Year.  I chose to wait on making this post however for a few reasons.
1) Most people in less than a week give up on their "New Years Resolutions"
2) The pictures I used here were from an event I did just this past Friday. (just being honest)

​That being said, let us reflect of the word "commitment" - a word that seems has lost its value in our modern culture.

What I have come to see is that it is fear of the "restriction" aspect of the second definition found above that makes people run away.  I would propose however that a choice to engage in some areas of restriction actually brings freedom to your soul.  For example, if your New Years resolution was concerning health, "restricting" yourself from certain eating habits not only helps you obtain your goal, but also frees you from your passions and perhaps even addictions to eating.  This discipline can apply to other aspects of your life, relationships, career, etc.

I bring all of this up to say for myself, and for all of us that this year may we not only get new ideas, and inspirations, but also have the discipline to stay committed so that we can see these dreams turn into goals, into a lived mission, that then becomes the norm of our reality.

May we pray together that 2018 is a year of renewal.... In our families and in our homes; at work and school; in our ministries and in our world....  A renewal that we have the strength to see through until the end.  Lord may you work in us during this time to truly make change in our world. Amen.

- The Symbol
​- All is Love