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CONLEY COMMENTARY (WSAU) – As I look back on 2025, there’s one New Years resolution that I’ve kept.
I promised myself, and God, that I would say ‘yes’ to everything that had to do with my faith. And I did it.
That starts with attending church each Sunday, and I have, even while traveling. My only “miss” was last weekend while I was in Florida. My mother didn’t feel well and I didn’t go alone. So for the year I’ve heard 51 sermons. I even preached one myself.
I have prayed regularly, at least once a day. Giving thanks for God’s blessings in my life has made me more mindful. And asking God for things acknowledges that He is the giver of all good gifts.
My church, The Cross on Grand Avenue in Schofield, is small. Lots of people are needed to do stuff. So I’ve said “yes” to helping to take the garbage out after Sunday service. I also help to set up the sanctuary before Sunday worship. And I prepare and help to serve communion, which has been a wonderful blessing for me.
I attended a Hmong funeral; three days of visiting the family’s home and one day at the funeral parlor. That led to being asked to be a church elder, which I’ve also said ‘yes’ to. That’s been a mixed bag, to be honest. The business of helping to run a church seems a step removed from serving God, yet I know it is necessary. Being an elder also involves saying ‘no’ sometimes. Not all the decisions I’ve made have worked out. Our church rented a house for three of our members who would otherwise have been homeless. It was a failure. They contributed some of their earnings to offset their expenses, but three strangers under the same roof may have been unrealistic. All have moved out and are elsewhere now. I’ve said ‘yes’ to being the church treasurer, and there’s been a lot that I don’t know. I’ve made paperwork mistakes, and my church has paid the penalties for late and incorrect filings. I’ll get more things right in the year ahead.
I’ve said ‘yes’ to feeding the homeless. I’ve collected and donated food for the hungry. I’ve seen new people come to The Cross. I’ve seen families welcome new children into the world. I’ve also seen relationships break apart and people move away.
We hope that each year will be a prosperous one. I’m certainly not any wealthier. But saying ‘yes’ to all things involving my faith has made me richer in the past year. I hope you’ll try it. A year from now, I promise, you will be changed.
Chris Conley
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