(JUST) 10% MORE

No, this isn’t an end of year financial appeal. I’ve gotten more than a few of them from great organizations, and I wish I could support them all. The need is always great, and now in my neck of the woods with the recent flooding in the Pacific Northwest. It has been hard to watch the news and see the devastation being wrought by the rain and the wind. Convoy of Hope, who we support every month, is always one of the first on the scene, as they are in northern Washington state. What an amazing work that, sadly, there has been significant demand for again this year.

My pastor has just finished leading us through a most meaningful Advent season. But as of midnight on Christmas Eve, the season of waiting is over, and the season of celebration has just begun. And I’m not just talking about New Year’s Rockin Eve. I’m talking about the 12 Days of Christmas, which begin on Christmas Day. My daughter-in-law expressed lament, at the end of a wonderful Christmas Day together, that there is such a long lead up to Christmas and just like that it is over. I told her, that’s because we celebrate it all wrong in our day. The celebration of Christmas doesn’t end when the presents are all opened, the Roast Beast is consumed, or when the relatives (finally) leave. Even The Who’s down in Whoville know this. It ends on January 5^th my peeps! So put that tree back up!! 

My pastor has also mentioned, several times this season, that growth comes when we do (or give) just 10% more. If your resolution is to bench press 200 pounds and you currently can only do around 100 (purely hypothetical you understand) then you don’t start at 150, 170, or 190. You start at 110, and then work up from there. 10% more. If you want to bike to grandma’s house next holiday and you currently only rock around the block (tonight), then it’s best to work your Peloton up to a mile before going over the river and through the woods.

What’s true for our health (which I imagine also includes 10% less somewhere), is also true for our apprenticeship to Jesus. Pastor Tyler specifically challenged us regarding being 10% more hospitable and 10% more aware of what God might already be doing all around us. It doesn’t sound all that spiritual, or impressive, but if everyone of us did so it would truly be amazing! And yes, we can also give 10% more of our time, effort, or even finances. Think of what all the amazing works would be able to do in 2026 if even 10% of us did so. Think of the difference in the lives of our families, friends, and faith communities. And think of the difference in each one of us at this time next year.

So, yes, it’s the season for resolutions once again. 2025, good, bad, or ugly is just about to go in the history books. So shed a tear or two, pump your fist once, twice, or even three times. Then let’s get at it in 2026. This is your coach speaking, Sparky, so suck it up! But just suck it up 10% more. No puking required. Unless you had too much homemade toffee and peanut butter cups (purely hypothetical you understand).

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

JAY