United Church of Warsaw

January 2008

I said to the man that stood at the Gate of the Year,

“Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown,” -

and he said “Go out into the darkness, and put your

hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you

better than light, and safer than a known way.”

- Minnie Louise Hoskins

This quote often comes to mind as I stand at the threshold of a New Year – a new beginning filled with fresh opportunities and challenges. If you are anything like me, you like to approach new things with as much security as possible – a light is the minimal amount of security I want before I venture into the dark unknown! Maps, compasses, guidebooks, forecasts – anything that can help me to predict what is waiting for me is greatly appreciated. It is also, more often than not, the beginning of a false sense of security.

Sometimes you just have to walk into the unknown without all those illusions of security, and hold only to God’s hand.

This is easier said than done (I know), but it is an amazing way to move forward. By leaving behind the baggage of agendas, expectations, and the trappings of control and security, we open ourselves to the wondrous possibilities that await us with God as both our guide, and creator of a universe filled with limitless opportunities. Also, with the baggage behind us, we can travel lighter, and faster, and with greater agility. Giving up control and walking into the darkness of the unknown can be frightening (ok, terrifying). But if we trust that God does indeed love us as tenderly as a loving parent does with their precious child, then we can, with confidence, place our hand into the hand of God, and walk into this New Year relying on God grace, mercy, and steadfast love.

None of us knows what the future holds – we can plan, and anticipate, but ultimately the only moment we are sure of is the moment in which we now draw breath. We can respond to this reality by trying to over-control and micro-manage, or we can relax and step, with God, into

this New Year, and allow God to unfold all manner of possibilities and opportunities.

May we all find the faith and courage to place our hand in the hand that is truly more secure than all the light and road maps we can create, and may we venture into the unknown guided by the light and love of Christ.

A very Blessed and Happy New Year to all,

With love,
Kim