Imagine

by Macy Johnson

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him,

so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

(Romans 15:13 NIV)

 

My word for the new year is imagine. Merriam-Webster defines it as the act of forming a mental image of something or someone not present.

 

My husband and I went to our daughter’s house to celebrate Christmas. As I drove I thought of all the wonderful things ahead for this visit and the new year and reviewed with Jeff some of the exciting experiences we had in the past twelve months. When I looked into the future, I imagined Jesus in the middle of each of those upcoming opportunities to serve in His kingdom.

 

I will start as a volunteer at my hospital in January. I will be a substitute choir accompanist for other churches, full time accompanist for my own congregation, and one of three music librarians. I will serve as the secretary for the Friends of the Library. I will play Bridge and Dominoes with various groups and sing for nursing home residents. My goal is to make Jesus the center of every activity, to imagine him by my side as He participates with and through me. My complete focus on the Creator of the universe will be required.  

 

At the conclusion of each Sunday morning’s worship service, our pastor asks us to open our arms and hands to receive a blessing. I close my eyes and imagine God the Father pouring out His Spirit on me and am renewed and filled to step into service in His kingdom. My imagination opens the way for me to continue in worship.

 

I will seek to imagine my Lord in every moment of every day. I hope you will, too!