Happy New Year’s, and Merry Eighth Day of Christmas! As I sit down to write this evening, I keep thinking about the words in my head, “Be a Cheerleader.”

I am not one for New Year’s Resolutions. They just never tend to resonate well for me. Focusing on a particular mission or vision, or an idea like we might see as an Epiphany “Star Word” generally works better. But I guess if I am to be resolved to anything this year- beyond the obvious of committing to be my best self- as a dad, husband, son, deacon, and neighbor, I am resolved to be a cheerleader.

I am thinking about this for a number of reasons. As I look back at the last twelve months or so, I have to acknowledge I have lost a lot of my own cheerleaders. There’s probably too many to name, but over the past little over a year, I have lost: Grandma S.; Great Aunt Dorothea; Great Uncle Roger; Gail; Ruth; and Nancy. All of these and more deserve their own blogposts, reflections, and gratitude. I’d be lying if I didn’t say that there was some grief there. But at the same time, I am struck by how much of a gift it is to know that I have had (and continue to have) more cheerleaders than I can count. What a gift and a blessing it is to have people from all walks of life who go out of their way to cheer me on and support me in some way or another.

As much as a tear might roll down my face as I think about these wonderful human beings, more than anything, I feel a deep sense of gratitude. I am grateful that each of these people (named above and many others- many of you who know who you are), see fit to be a part of my team. To cheer me on. To partner with me. To think with me. To imagine with me. To pray with me and for me. To hope with me. To do what we can for the sake of our neighbors and world we so dearly love.

The way I see it right now, as a young dad at least, is that at the heart of leadership and discipleship, are the acts of equipping and empowering. This can look like coaching and mentoring. But it can also include being one who prays for another. Being one who encourages, and who says an encouraging word or two to another. It can include showing up, as a sign not just of presence but through one’s presence, saying “you matter” or “this matters.” As I think about the cheerleaders I have had to say goodbye to over the past year, they all encompass more than one of these aspects. But what they all had in common, is that they always found a way to lift me (and others) up and to encourage. I may not have always recognized the impact in the moment, but when I can take a minute to breathe and reflect, it’s impossible not to.

So with this in mind, this year, I resolve to be a Cheerleader. For the child in the congregation I am a part of, who might just be a little curious and is exploring their gifts of music, song, and faith. For the student in my local school district, who might just be searching for an unrelated adult who could be a mentor. For the youth and young adult elsewhere around the Nebraska Synod in their own congregation. For the lay leader growing into their leadership. For the pastoral leader wanting to grow, and willing to make the effort. For the citizen who wants to do their part. For my neighbors who want to do what’s right to work for peace and justice. For all of God’s children.

Be a cheerleader, friends! I’m doing it as a part of living out the legacy of my own cheerleaders. I’m also doing it, because I can’t think of anything more faithful or right to do as we all enter into this new year. There is much to do for the sake of our neighbors, and world. There’s plenty of tearing down that happens by the powers that be, by peer pressure, bullying, and social media. But perhaps the best way to start to counter all that is to point to another way. To say through word and deed, and all that we have and all that we are, that “I see you. You matter. You make a difference. You are loved, just because of who you are. Keep going!” Think about the impact that might just have on our communities and the larger world. That’s a vision I want to be a part of. Join me in it.

This reflection is dedicated to my dearly departed cheerleaders from the past year- Roger, Grandma, Ruth, Dorothea, Gail, and Nancy. To their families and loved ones, please know how grateful I am for you and your loved one(s).