Let's try!

"You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased."

Luke 3:22

Yesterday was the final day of the Christmas Season (Christmas, remember Christmas?) It was the feast of the Baptism of Jesus and we read this beautiful Gospel from St. Luke. As I heard it, I thought of something interesting. At this point, Jesus was at the very beginning of his ministry. Things were just starting up...Jesus hadn't done a whole lot at this time, but his baptism was the beginning. And yet, God speaks from the heavens and says, "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased." God was well pleased, not because of what Jesus had done to date, but God was pleased by Jesus' willingness and eagerness to try. Throughout Jesus' ministry, God was his very active partner. Jesus looked to the heavens before he fed the multitude. Jesus prayed before he called Lazarus out from the tomb. Jesus often went off alone to pray to his partner. God rejoiced at Jesus' baptism and expressed pleasure because Jesus was eager and willing to roll up his sleeves and begin. And, God is always so pleased with us whenever we show willingness to try, too. So, let's get out there, today, and try, Friends! Yes, it may be below zero. Yes, it is a Monday. Yes, we have thirty whole days before pitchers and catchers report, thus winter seems endless. But! Let's know that we have an able and eager partner to help us whatever our task! Love, heidi