Instead of making New Year’s resolutions, I try to take time at the end of each year to do a year-in-review. A few years ago, Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes offered a guided meditation on her podcast, which included reflective questions for reviewing the year. Life is so busy that we rarely pause to reflect and take stock. Yet, reflection is essential for living in the way of Jesus! It helps us notice where God is at work in our lives, recognize and address unhealthy patterns, foster gratitude for people and experiences, and set intentions for how we want to live in the future. Last week, I set aside some quiet time, opened my journal and worked my way through these questions. What happened this year? I named the significant events and milestones in our family’s life, as well as moments from my ministry with the church. What brought me joy? I lingered over both the big and small joys, like listening to ’90s music with Nate on the drive to school, experiencing fulfillment in my ministry and spending time in my garden. What grieved me? This question invited me to sit with the places of sorrow in my own life and to acknowledge the broader realities in our world that weighed heavily on my heart. I also answered the questions: Any regrets or missed opportunities? What went well? These prompts invited me to look closely at the particulars of my life, to acknowledge where I missed the mark and to name the ways I lived, faithfully into my calling as a Christ-follower, mother, spouse, and senior minister.
From there, I turned my attention toward 2026, asking a new set of questions: What does God want me to let go of as I move into the new year? What am I looking forward to? What do I want more of? I appreciate the reflective nature of a year-in-review and the lightness of the practice. Resolutions tend to be framed as things that are either kept or broken, but intentions are aspirations. If I neglect them, I can return to them, again and again, and give myself grace. Perhaps in the coming days, you might take a few prayerful moments to reflect on the year behind you and set intentions for the year ahead.
Separate note: Update on Community Engagement
Last week in The Branch, Matt Rollins, Minister of Community Engagement, announced his resignation. We know this news will raise questions about next steps. While this transition is still fresh, we are actively working on an interim plan. I have already met with the Personnel Committee and plan to meet with the Missions Committee and the Partnerships and Affiliations Committee in the coming days. Fortunately, Community Engagement is an area where many gifted lay leaders are already deeply involved. Because of this strong leadership, I anticipate that most programs and partnerships will continue as they have been. However, as soon as a more detailed interim plan is in place, I will share it with you. Thank you for your prayers, patience and continued support as we move through this transition.
—Carol