January 2013

Dear all,

I have just eaten one of the eighteen mince pies that I have in my study. I wonder how long it will take me to get through them? In some ways it feels wrong eating them now that the decorations are coming down at home and Christmas is truly over (no more “Two Ronnies” re-runs on the television for the foreseeable future).

There is a time and a season for many things in life, even churches! Think about it; none of the churches mentioned in the New Testament exist now…

Often in church life we can think that things should go on forever because they’ve always been that way. I think it’s true that it is easier to start a new venture in church than to stop something that has naturally run its course.

Sometimes we just need to stop things. They’ve run their course and we’re kidding ourselves that they are still great and worthwhile. They were, but they aren’t now.

Earlier this afternoon I went through my In-tray and ditched some documents that related to 2012; they’re irrelevant now. What else should I lay aside?

What do you need to lay aside (sounds nicer than “ditch” doesn’t it) in 2013?

  • Your Bible study notes and buy some others that give you a fresh perspective?
  • A friendship that is unhealthy?
  • A monthly magazine subscription that you never read?
  • That novel that Aunt Maureen bought you and is still by your bed but you know you’ll never read?
  • Judgemental attitudes to some things or people at Bessels?
  • Something you do, so that you can actually breathe and spend time with your family who hardly ever see you (they’re growing up before your very eyes – you saw that this Christmas time)?
  • Guilt for things of the past?

I heard my wife Jo talking to the children as they were taking down the Christmas decorations. She said something like this: “It is a shame to take down the decorations but the room feels fresher doesn’t it?”

Our lives might be a bit fresher if we lay aside some things that have naturally run their course…

 Yours because of Jesus – Neil.