A lot of people are tired after the holidays – all that huffing and puffing to get everything done and bought and cooked and organized and scheduled. Add to all of that the malaise we feel as we sludge through the pandemic and politics and car repairs and… Whew!

Maybe we can finally find the time to relax, veg out, take it easy, coast. For instance, I spent some time at the church building wondering where I could hang a hammock. (I found the perfect, secret place.)

There is certainly a solid argument for pulling back and resting every now and then — a weekly Sabbath is commanded even (Exodus 20:8-11). But do you know of a case where someone ‘coasted’ uphill? People coast downhill. They lose ground, fall, slip, let go of goals, and end up worse than where they started.

Is there a difference between legitimately needed rest and spiritual laziness?

Maybe 2023 is not the time to find your own spiritual ‘hammock.’ It’s not the time to coast. Instead, maybe it’s your window of opportunity to rise. To rise to the occasion. To rise to the challenge. To make the most of what’s within you and around you and above you.

The challenge that Trinity has put before those who take part in it’s worship and ministries is — in the words of our Vision – to “invite all to gather in love, grow in faith, and give back in joyful service.” What of this is your challenge for 2023?

To invite? “No, I couldn’t do that! I don’t know how. What if they ask me a question I don’t have the answer for? I’m too shy. I’ll just let everyone else do that and I’ll just… coast.”

In 1st Corinthians 1:4-9, Paul writes about how we have everything we need to move forward, every spiritual gift necessary to make a difference. In John 1:35-42, Jesus and his follower use simple invitations, like “Come and see,” and “We think we’ve found him.”

What can we learn about our call so that we no longer shirk our duty to invite all? How can we rise to the occasion?

See you Sunday!