I’ve attached a photo I captured on one of my early-morning walks. I love the way the sunlight beams as it rises over the lake. This image reminds me of the importance of God’s light and the invitation to let it guide us daily. The last few weeks, I have been thinking a lot about the word “journey”. My morning walks aren’t complete without my EarPods and my favorite playlists. It should not surprise anyone that my playlists include a variety of music genres: country, bluegrass, 80’s rock, Southern Gospel, and, of course, Dolly. The title for this blog was inspired by the song performed by the Happy Goodman Family.
As 2025 ends, it’s time to reflect on the journey of this past year: the highs, the lows, and even the curves in the road. As we reflect on 2025, where have we seen God? Perhaps the more uncomfortable question is, can we reflect on missed opportunities to be Christ-like? As we look to 2026, too often we fixate on the destination rather than the journey. For example, as millions watch the Times Square Ball Drop on New Year’s Eve, it’s about watching the ball’s journey to the bottom and counting together: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. As we journey into 2026, what do we need to release to God? (bitterness, anger, questions, etc.) By releasing things to God, we allow space to use the God-given gifts that only we can offer on the journey before us.
Matthew 2:9-10, “The star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It was ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they say the star, they were filled with joy.” I find it so interesting that the Magi did not begin their journey knowing every step or every outcome. They only knew to follow the star, God’s light.
One of the Gospel of Matthew’s underlying themes is the word “journey”. Matthew begins with the journey of the Magi. The Holy Family’s trip to Egypt, and Matthew concludes with these very familiar words: “Go make disciples.” We have all been invited into this journey, God’s light meeting us where we are. The journey of discipleship is just that, a journey of grace. God meets us before we are aware, walks with us as we respond, and continues to shape us throughout our daily lives.
How would it look if we focused less on the destination and more on the journey in 2026? Epiphany teaches us that God’s light does not simply wait for us at the end. God’s light moves with us, sometimes leading us into some unexpected places.
We may be more like the Magi than we care to admit. We may expect clarity, certainty, or even a quick answer. At nearly 60, I have found my own faith journey to be filled with questions and ponderings. I have learned that God often gives me just enough light for the next step, not the entire road.
Questions for the journey into 2026:
- What step might God be inviting us to take on the journey of faith?
- Will we trust God to light our path every step of the way?
Always Remember, Never Forget….GOD LOVES YOU!!
Happy New Year!
Tom
Long Talk…. 