Pastor's Ponderings
As the new year of 2026 begins and Lent arrives in February many of us feel the same familiar tension.
We want to change.
We want to grow.
We want the coming months to look different than the last months.
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Most New Year’s resolutions don’t last very long --- not because we don’t care, but because resolve alone rarely changes what we love, what we trust, or what we return to when life gets busy or hard.
So, what would actually be helpful for all of us as we enter 2026 and the season of Lent?
Not louder goals.
Not another list of self-improvements.
But a slower, more honest look at our lives --- grounded in the Word and not in will power.
Instead of asking what we want to accomplish or fix, I think this question from a favorite author pushes us to a deeper question:
What would exalt Christ more in my life this year?
That question changes the direction of reflection. It moves us from self-focus to Christ-focus. From external behavior to internal affection. From vague resolve to purposeful obedience.
I would encourage you to take the following, a journal or a note pad and take time to reflect and examine your life.
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Reflect:
List three favorite memories from the past year.
What brought me the most joy?
What brought me the most shame?
What am I most proud of?
What did I feel was the most regret?
What challenge did I face and overcome?
What challenge did I avoid?
If this past year had one sentence written under it, what would it say?
Examine:
What habit or pattern shaped more days than I expected this year?
What repeatedly captured my attention, energy, or thoughts?
What did I love most this year, based on how I actually lived?
What does my use of time reveal about what I value?
When did I feel most aware of God’s presence --- and when did God feel distant?
Reorder:
What practice would exalt Christ more in my life if done consistently?
What area of my life most needs to be surrendered fully to the Lord?
What affection, habit, or ambition must decrease for Christ to increase?
What must be reordered so my life reflects what I say I believe?
If I do not surrender this, what will it cost me spiritually next year?
Resolve:
What is one concrete act of obedience I will pursue in the new year?
What will I say no to in order to protect that obedience?
Who will keep me accountable and how will I invite them in?
What rhythm will sustain this when motivation fades?
In one sentence: How do I hope to be different by the end of next year?
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Pray:
Praise: Tell God what you are thankful for!
Pray: Pray over the past year and the year to come.
Pick: Pick a verse to live by or cling to for the year to come.
My spiritual director gave me the above to ponder over the past year and think about the new year going forward. He suggested that I would either need to take at least a ½ day to simply sit and ponder and then respond.
This Lent, I invite you to Quiet Days on March 3 to simply ponder the above. We have plenty of space here at church to discover your soul afresh and to grow in grace.
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Blessed New Year and Lent 2026!
+PD