This past year, like any other year, has been filled with many ups and downs, but every year comes to an end. I am so ready to tackle 2022 and as I prepare for it, I am challenging myself to not fear the changes that might come, but to accept and even seek them. I can’t wait to see what this new year has in store for all of us as we are all connected within our Collierville community in some way.

We are hopeful 2022 will be a step forward from all the struggles, difficulties, and troubles that came with this past year. Some need hope for new beginnings, and some need a light at the end of a dark tunnel. I personally am planning on a year filled with faith, hope, good family relationships, and a strong sense of connectedness with my neighborhood and community.

“Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”  – Philippians 4:6

I’m also planning on a year of growth. It can be difficult to learn how to accept our mistakes when taking on challenges, but an eagerness to get back up and turn those mistakes into life lessons is growth. So this year, I encourage you to try new things. Growth can be experienced in many ways; it can be mental, spiritual, or physical. In fact, for us to be balanced human beings, we should seek to grow in all these areas. Working on life balance makes a lot of sense this year, as always.

This new year, I hope to concentrate on joy more than worry about being happy, as joy is a trait that exists despite outside circumstances. Instead, let us reflect on Philippians 4:6 in the coming new year. “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” I wish faith, hope, and joy to all our Collierville community.

Rev. TroyAnn Poulopoulos

Pastor, Epiphany Lutheran Church (ELCA)

202 W. Poplar 

(meets at Collierville Presbyterian)

www.epiphanylu.org