Plan to be Surprised

I don’t make New Year resolutions much less ten-year goals. “What do you want to be doing in ten years?” You might as well be asking me to explain quantum physics! It’s not unreasonable for some people, but it’s close to impossible for me. Plans that I make get delayed, derailed, or dejected – and usually by myself! I have a hard time arranging each day so trying to make a plan for the entire year just seems improbable. Imaging me ten years down the road is science fiction without a plot. Before you can start writing you have to develop the characters. It seems that would take an awareness of one’s self that I haven’t yet met. Often it’s easier to count off colors, foods, or movies that I don’t like rather than narrowing my choices to favorites. I can pronounce deeds never accomplished more than actions completed. I can pontificate on my faults rather than mention strengths. It’s easier to deflate ideas rather than to stand up and pronounce beliefs that are true to me. However, I think one truth I do know about myself is that before I make a promise, I try to evaluate whether I can uphold my part. I like to think that my word is true. So to make a resolution would not be a simple wish, or an offhand statement. In the movie “Dan in Real Life” the main character ends the movie as he is writing a column: “Instead of telling our young people to plan ahead, we should tell them to plan to be surprised.” That’s a resolution I can uphold.

My prayer for the congregation?

Dear God, Your miracles are revealed each day. As this new year begins let us welcome the surprises of your grace interwoven into our daily life. Instead of facing the new year with hope, some will see it as a beginning of many new days filled with anxiety about jobs, health, money, family upheaval, and perhaps an unrest in their own faith in themselves and in you. Help us to find the words that share with others the truths that we believe, the love that we have witnessed and the hope that we hold dear. Let us learn more about ourselves so that we may realize the strengths that we already possess to help further your ends. Let our plans be set aside for your surprises. Amen.