It’s 6 degrees in Kodiak this first day of 2020, with a wind chill much lower. (But we can’t complain. It’s -65 in other parts of Alaska right now.) In spite of the temps, a flock of hardy Kodiakans gathered in the frigid air, on the frozen beach. We all wore parkas, furs, scarves, boots. But as the clock ticked toward noon, about 60 people did the craziest thing.

But wait. Before we get to the unveiling, come see what winter and the new year has brought us so far.

But these days of beauteous snow are not the whole truth. The whole truth is days and weeks of darkness and rain. The truth is planes missed and grounded. And yesterday, a crab boat that iced up sunk yesterday in the frigid waters off Kodiak. Five people lost. This is the larger truth of the horrible beauty of the places we live . . .

And now, we face a new decade. I admit it. I have felt despairing this year. Over politics. Over the Church. Over death. Over a beloved one in jail. Over too much work and not enough time. Over a sense of helplessness and worthlessness. (Are you sure, God, you want me to go? Me?)

We stand shivering in the brittle winter air, bundled up against it. Trying to stay warm. And yet some people, some people stand there shivering——and then they do it.

Let’s resolve this one thing: to shed our fears and despair and jump into the new year.

To Go all in. To Immerse into God’s word—our very life source—every day.

To Run toward his forgiveness, every day.

To Plunge into His love, every day.

To Dive into His mercy, every day.

When we do this, we can meet the new decade (starting today)

Naked and unafraid.

Or, we can stand in the wintry air, thoroughly and wisely bundled in fur and still——

Unafraid.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Dear Friends, What are you most looking forward to in 2020?