by Laura Krueger
A cup half full–that’s my life attitude! As I look back over the last decade, all I can see are the good things. Oh, I’m sure there have been plenty of not-so-good events that happened and times when life did not go as planned. I have lost some family members as they passed through the pearly gates and friends who have moved away. A half-empty cup might pull down some people. Not me! That comes from being a Child of God.
As I reflect upon this season of the church year and the start of a new decade, my cup fills and overflows with optimism and hope. Will God’s glow and love found in the Christmas season spill into Epiphany and open our eyes to new and exciting experiences and relationships? Oh, I pray it is so!
I pray that the people of our world find peace with each other; that comfort and love fill the lives of all children. I wish relief for those who hunger and experience devastation. I hope God’s people are the leaders that make these things happen.
Being a participant in Women of the ELCA has been one of the most important blessings in my life. Many decades ago, some courageous women set a vision for an organization where women could grow and learn and support each other. It’s an organization that created opportunities for women to join hands and minds to make our world a better place. I know all this may sound cliché. But, the foundation these women formed was and still is solid.
Vibrant changes
A few years ago, it seemed 2020 was a time far away. Now it’s here, and we need to look at this organization called Women of the ELCA using a new lens. Our vision has blurred over the years. Now is the time to put on new glasses and sharpen our sight into 20-20 focus.
We need to make some changes to keep Women of the ELCA vibrant and relevant.
As we move closer to the 2020 triennial convention and gathering in July, I pray that you will join me with optimism and hope. I am optimistic that if you try to keep your eyes and hearts wide open, you will experience something new and exciting that God has in store. I hope you will keep your mind open to changes and ideas that will help Women of the ELCA become stronger and more alive as we go forward into the next decade. We want the next generation of women to have an organization that supports them in their callings and brings healing and wholeness to their world. I pray they have the opportunity to join hands and do ministry together.
Am I letting my cup overflow too much with hope and optimism? I hope not! Reflect on how Women of the ELCA can live into the future in your congregation, your community, and around the world! Be optimistic, and you will find it hard to keep your cup half empty. (Oops, half full.) Hope and love are spilling out of my cup! Will you catch it?
Laura Krueger is a resident of Avondale, Arizona, and a member of Alleluia Lutheran Church, Phoenix, Arizona. She serves on the churchwide executive board.
Photo by Zac Harris on Unsplash