Happy New Year, Friends of Plymouth!

I have only one minute,

Sixty seconds in it.

Forced upon me, can’t refuse it.

Didn’t seek it, didn’t choose it.

But it’s up to me to use it.

I must suffer if I lose it.

Give [an] account if I abuse it.

Just a tiny little minute,

But eternity can be found in it.

~Benjamin Elijah Mays

About a year ago, I was scrolling on Facebook and came across this quote:  “Time is like a river. You cannot touch the same water twice because the flow that has passed will never pass again.” How

true! Many times, we are so in a hurry trying to  accomplish many things at once, that we fail to slow down, to pause, and to enjoy the time we have now. The time we have with family, friends, and

loved ones is so precious. The time

enjoying the freedom that we have inherited passed down to us through our forebears is of key importance. The time that we spend enjoying the simple things in life is sacred: like sipping hot

chocolate on a 2024 snowy day; like the feel of paper pages between our fingers while reading a good book; like the time spent doing absolutely nothing. There is something sacred about these

moments.

As you dance across the world’s stage in the year 2024, make sure you take time to slow down, to pause, to breathe in gratitude, and to relish the present moment. Remember, God has given you

one more day.  And “Time is like a river. You cannot touch the same water twice because the flow that has passed will never pass again.” In the days ahead, as your new Pastor, I want to know you.

I want you to know me too! I plan to make an appointment soon so that our meeting can happen. Let’s make 2024 a great year together!

In God’s grip,

Pastor Peter J. Blank