So this is Christmas
And what have you done?
Another year over
And a new one just begun.
(John Lennon)
Actually, I’m not a fan of John Lennon. His song “Imagine” demonstrates one of the worst philosophies I an imagine. No God…no afterlife…and everyone living in peace? I imagine if there were no God and no heaven, I would have no peace nor any particular desire to live in peace with others.
Lennon’s Christmas song doesn’t offer any real hope, but it asks a question: “…what have you done?”
For me, this year has not been one of accomplishments. I completed an interim in the spring and left a job that had a potentially higher risk of catching Covid.
I did start this blog. I’ve also spent time learning my Logos Bible program. I had Wordsearch, but it was bought out by Logos, so I have had a totally new program to learn. But I’ve had only a few opportunities to use it for sermon preparation. I’m doing Bible study like I did years ago: to grow in my knowledge of God and His word.
I’ve always been a reader. I enjoy it for its own sake, and it’s benefited me in learning more about the Lord. Also, I enjoy current events–I subscribe to three newspapers–plus, history, current events and political works. I’m trying to put all this under the heading of preparation for the future.
I do hope to continue serving as a transitional or interim pastor. Along with my consultation and revitalization certification, I believe I can offer value to a congregation.
Once Covid is mostly behind us, and it will be, churches will need to be set to reach their communities. I can help.
I will change Lennon’s question. Rather than “what have I done,” the question is “what will I do?”
You can ask yourself the same question: What will you do? Make plans to serve the Lord beginning now.
I’m looking forward to 2021 to be a great year of accomplishments.
Ashton C. “AC” Smith
ashtoncarpentersmith@gmail.com
434-906-1200
