“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” -- Matthew 14:28-31 (NIV)

She died before the Christmas party. She was in long term care but she passed away before we could meet her. Our small group assigned us to deliver her a package. I helped my mom plan and pack a Christmas box to deliver to her at the care facility during their annual Christmas party. But one of the ladies written down for us died a few days before Christmas.

It's the time of year I think about resolutions. I read an interesting article that advised input goals over outcome goals. Like go for a morning walk five days a week rather than lose a bunch of pounds. This year I'm thinking in terms of praying more consistently and inclusively instead of my usual be less of a jerk or grow close to God. The idea of growing closer and closer to God, honestly, scares me.

My name is in a book and Jesus knows it, knows me. That's kinda overwhelming. Sometimes it's hard for me to comprehend and thoughts of being unworthy creep in and spook me. I believe the lovely lady we were to deliver a Christmas box to went to a much more joyous party than was planned here in Mankato. I certainly believe we all can, with faith, be on Jesus's guest list for the big Christmas party.

What if the name written down for me to deliver to--to serve--is Jesus? What would he want in the box? Here again, input might be the surer means to an outcome. First, can I step out of the boat and into the new year? Then the tricky part, can I do so fearlessly? If all of me is in it, praying when the fears get blustery, maybe I won't be afraid.

How about you entering this new year? Are there any input items you want to add to the box you will deliver?