My first post of 2023, Star Word for 2023, introduced the word I received on Epiphany to guide me through the year ahead: clarity.
In that post I suggested that while 2022 had been marked by transition, 2023 would be a season of increasing clarity personally and professionally.
Personally
Reflecting on 2023, I see numerous ways in which the year has been marked by clarity in my personal life. Three important experiences that have informed my increased clarity are
- Completing my first full year as resident of Arlington (TX) since 2006 and hosting more parties and events in our home than ever before
- Celebrating my 25th wedding anniversary and enjoying an extended vacation to celebrate the occasion with my wife
- Spending significant time with family and friends
Professionally
I also affirm that this was a year of clarity for me vocationally. The top three expressions of this are
- Being ordained to ministry in the United Church of Christ
- Entering year 3 at White Rock Center of Hope with a change in title from Executive Director to Chief Executive Officer
- Engaging in more preaching, teaching, and writing than any year since leaving full-time parish ministry in 2015
So What?
It seems fitting that in the year I celebrated 25 years of ministry and 25 years of marriage, I’d attain new clarity about who I am and who I’m called to be and become in the years ahead.