A little investment can yield big rewards. At least that is what I am hoping for in 2023. In December I had an opportunity to make the best of all investments.

First, I heard about this opportunity on the radio. Then, I went to the store just to make sure it was true. When I got there the chance of lifetime was verified. I could purchase, for $2, a small tag at Wendy’s Restaurant and I would get a “junior” size frosty every time I came in with that tag.

I have to admit this small indulgence brings me great joy. I have used the reward of a small chocolate frosty as a treat when I feel the need to celebrate a special accomplishment. It could be completing a project I have been working all month, it could be successfully officiating a difficult soccer game, or maybe just a need to cool off on a hot day.

Now I can celebrate even more often with less expense, and fewer calories.

Something else I have been working on this fall is to be more prayerful in my journey on this earth. That is, being more attentive to the Spirit as I go about my daily tasks. Instead of only taking time to pray when a special concern or sense of gratitude comes around, I am trying to be more ready to hear what God has to say to me.

Prayer is supposed to be a dialogue, and I can easily fall into the habit of talking and asking without listening to the thoughts God has for me. In fact, sometimes I just need to take a breath and open my heart for a moment to see if there is anything I need to hear before I initiate the conversation.

This past fall, two days after I had been examined by the Committee on Ministry for Mission Presbytery, I was asked “How retired are you?” Both Joan and I had been reticent to make any major commitments in our first year of retirement, but I was offered an opportunity to serve a bilingual church once a month for a six month period of time.

I was asked to serve a population with whom I have had little experience. Yet, here was an opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and place myself in the hands of this congregation. When would I ever have a chance to immerse myself in a short term, minimal commitment, to learn from folks I would not normally rub shoulders with? We agreed to embrace this opportunity.

As I become more attuned to the nudging of the Spirit, the more likely I will be to participate in the redemption of our world. My part is a small one, but I believe the rewards will be great.

So I have tried to start out 2023 with a fresh commitment to hearing the Spirit and indulging myself in service and in rewards. And though I have to make sure I don’t make too many trips to Wendy’s, I hope to grow in my faith and to pay closer attention to those unexpected opportunities to participate in the tikkun olam (repairing of the world).