January 2017
From the Rector’s desk by Rev. Anthony MacWhinnie, II
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! It seems that there are three camps when it comes to New Year’s resolutions. There is the “yes” camp, who makes them and tends to stick to them. There is the “no” camp who has no need of resolutions. And then there are the “wafflers”. I’m one of those… Sometimes I make resolutions and sometimes I don’t. Sometimes I keep them. And most times I don’t. And because most times I don’t, I don’t like to make them, because it feels like I’m setting myself up for failure. But, change is good, right? Positive change is, at least. And the New Year seems like a great time to start. It’s traditional anyway. It’s a new year and a new start. I think that my problem is that I only want to change if something bad happens. You know? I think that’s how a lot of us operate. I can break the speed limit all I want, until a police officer pulls me over. Then I have to change my ways. At least for a little while. And I don’t have change my diet or exercise, until my pants don’t fit any more, or worse, the doctor says something is wrong with me physically. And I don’t have to stop all sorts of bad habits, until something comes along that tells me I do have to stop them, or makes me stop them.
Our Staff & Vestry Rev, Anthony MacWhinnie, II, Rector Vestry: Chuck Barnett - Senior Warden Jim Warner- Junior Warden Beth Woods, Susan Early, & John Velaski Twinette McDonald - Music Director Sally Putters - Parish Nurse
Why do we so often operate like this? It can’t be good for us, but still we do it. Paul has a lot to say about the flesh, and our wants and desires. Sometimes we just have to tell them “no.” Elizabeth and I have this discussion all the time. “I don’t want to be good. I just want to WANT TO be good.” That’s a start, I suppose. The truth is, I know what I need to do, and it doesn’t rely on anyone else’s behavior or emotions. It’s all about what I need to do to be better. I know what I need to do. I just need to do it. I’m betting you do too. There’s no day like today. There’s not time like now. And with God’s help, we can do it. Let’s do it. Peace, Anthony+