Avoiding (Your) Samaria

The inevitable New Year’s resolutions are about to be proclaimed, in some form or another, where one swears to always or never do… something. For many, we want to avoid our own personal Samaria, aka the trouble spots or areas where danger lurks. It may be a person, situation, food, drink, or a place—something which becomes the trigger for an “oops, I did it again” moment, followed by guilt, fear and remorse.

‘Tis The Season

I sat this morning in church, beautifully decorated with greenery and miniature lights. Christmas trees flanked each side of the podium, adorned with gold and silver bulbs. The words ‘peace’, ‘love’ and ‘faith’ hung from the dark green limbs. Red poinsettias swathed in gold filmy fabric decorated the baptistry.