I am often reminded, especially in the season of Epiphany, of the incremental nature of new life. As I wrote last week, Epiphany means “manifestation,” and our spiritual task can be to behold that which is new, shining and manifest in our lives, and to incorporate it in this new year. Fits right in with New Year’s resolutions.

Or not. I can talk a good game about the myriad invitations of change, and did so in the 1/3 Marble adult education class, but when it comes to physically making a change, theory meets practice, and I’m often amazed by how hard it is to ingrain anything new.

Eating less. Exercising more. Classic examples. More subtle ones: Praying more. A change of heart. A gathering of courage. Starting a difficult conversation. Every time I have tried to write ’10 on something—a check, notes from a meeting—it has come out ’09. I spent ten years learning to write 0-whatever. That habit does not go easily into the night.

So why should I think it will be any easier with the larger things of life? New Year’s resolutions are often about shifting what is ingrained. No wonder they often fall by the wayside; what is ingrained in us can feel so core, can fight hard for its right to stay an unlovely part of us.

And yet. Change happens, often in increments. Prayer, and community, and places like Marble can be partners in your incremental move through Epiphany, into Lent, and towards the full stature of who God calls you to be.

Think this week, of the increments that maybe only you (and God) can see. Celebrate them. Add to them. Manifest them. And this week especially, it goes without saying we all need to manifest what we have to share and to give to the people of Haiti. Marble will take up a special offering this weekend. Please be a part of it, or any organization that is helping.