At Presbyterian Homes & Services, we encourage our leaders to bring their faith to work and to openly share how they see God in their lives and ministry.
Blake Boche, Campus Administrator of Norris Square, located in Cottage Grove, MN, wrote this message of faith and hope for the New Year. In it, he offers his confidence in God’s leading to carry us into the new year.
Welcome to 2022! Isn’t it amazing how quickly the years fly by? We are embarking on a new year ahead.
Do you ever wonder why we have holidays? It is important to take appropriate notice of special days on the calendar. Nearly every society throughout the history of time has set aside certain days to recognize and celebrate significant events to help pass along their heritage, culture and beliefs to the next generation.
One holiday that is a bit different, however, is the New Year’s holiday. For the New Year, we not only reflect on what has happened in the past, but also look to the future with hope and expectation.
Why is it important to reflect on the year that has ended? Some people say they don’t want to “live in the past.” There is some wisdom in not looking backward because we cannot change events that have already occurred.
However, in the Old and New Testaments, the word “remember” appears over 200 times (depending on the translation). Evidently, the Creator of the world does want us to look back and take stock from time to time. It is good to remember God’s activity in our lives, and often, by looking back, we are able to see events more clearly than when we just live in the moment.
For 2021, we can remember many instances of re-joining within our communities in safe ways that brought joy to our hearts. We also remember with gratitude our residents, staff, volunteers and any of our loved ones that we have lost along the way. We are grateful for each and every one of you!
Most of all, by looking back and remembering God’s faithfulness this past year, we can look forward to 2022 with hope and peace. We don’t really know what will transpire in the future, but I am optimistic. I believe that we will walk through this year’s ups and downs just like we have in the years that have gone by.
We will walk together, side by side with one another, and directly into the palm of God’s hand.
Many Blessings to you this New Year!
Blake Boche has been with PHS for over 20 years, starting as a Resident Assistant and rising through the ranks in several PHS communities as Activities Coordinator, Household Coordinator, Recreational Therapist, Housing Manager, Care Center Administrator and now Campus Administrator.
Enjoy reading past blog posts featuring Blake and Norris Square:
The gifts that matter most
Norris Square’s own ‘Rosie the Riveter’
Butterfly kisses at Norris Square
