over a week ago, and it is still clean.  I will take the sub-zero wind chill with clear (or cloudy) skies that is soon to return over snow covered roads any and every day (except Christmas – maybe!).

It was a long, but productive day.  It started earlier than usual, and my evening was scheduled too.  The day fell in the middle of a ten day stretch that was particularly busy, so when my head hit the pillow at 9:30 p.m. sleep came almost instantly.  I opened my eyes at 2:00 a.m., glanced at the clock, and immediately fell back asleep.  The next thing I knew it was 5:30 a.m. and time to rise to a new day.

So, how as 2022 started off for you?  Did you start the year off with multiple resolutions … or did you rid yourself of that practice in years gone by?  Are you briming with optimism and hope, trembling with fear and trepidation, or somewhere in-between?  I guess it also could be true that your response is, “2022?  I am not done with 2021 yet!” (though it seems as though I have mostly heard people saying “good riddance” to 2021) I know of more than a few who started the year with a foul taste in their mouth following the Orange Bowl debacle the night before.

This year was like the last few Christmases.  When family members asked me what I would like for Christmas, nothing came to my mind except sox and underwear – and this year I didn’t even need underwear!  Fortunately for me, my family is both generous beyond what I deserve and very creative.  I am truly blessed … and always come away feeling inadequate in the “gifting” department.

I knew Sunday was going to be a busy day.  After worship we were having dress rehearsal for Christmas Eve’s 4:00 p.m. service.  Then, from noon until 1:00 p.m. I was hosting “Drive-up Communion” in our front parking lot.  After that I would drive home, change my clothes, and Monica and I would hop in the van for a quick trip to the funeral home in Frankenmuth.  Afterwards we would visit a little with her sister and brother-in-law and then return home.