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THIS summer I have taken up a new sport (not without some trepidation!)

The last time I actively played tennis was on honeymoon in 2003, but for 2017 (a personal landmark year for me), I promised that I would re-engage and actively take up the sport once again, rather than simply sitting on the sidelines spectating. This was not without a sense of fear: moving alone into a class full of strangers is always unnerving, alongside with concern about my fitness –would I be able to keep up, would I enjoy it – and would I be able to avoid competitive matches (which was not the rationale for taking up the sport!)

I signed up for coaching at our local tennis club and have found a huge sense of achievement in simply becoming more active – and in being out on court once a week with other people interested in the same sport.

It would have been easy to stick with existing regimes and remain in my own comfort zone and be guided by fear, rather than the pioneering voice inside. However, an approaching’big’ birthday (please don’t ask which one!) provided an opportunity for reflection and I was inspired to be bold and made a list of things to do during the year. Some will be fulfilled, others will take a little longer. Lent is a time when we’re encouraged to try to pick up something new – but for me, the timings did not work this year.

It’s easy in the Church to stick with what we know already. Change does not come easily. It is easy to pick fault with new ideas until enthusiasm for them wanes. As we grow older we draw comfort from knowing exactly what to expect from our local church – both on a Sunday morning and throughout the week.

“It’s easy in the Church to stick with what we know already. Change does not come easily.

Yet sometimes stepping out of our comfort zone – as I have done – and considering pipe dreams and wishes can result in a road map to change, albeit in a small way – and a bigger, better and more fulfilling vision.

Twelve months ago, I would never have imagined taking up a new sport, or visiting some of the places that I have done in this year. Barriers always seemed to be in the way. Some of the hopes and aspirations have not been fulfilled – but are on the agenda for the future. The wishlist of 2017 has provided a platform for change in the future.

A pause for congregations to reflect and listen to where they are being called could effect similar long-term change as the Church of the 21st century is reformed and reborn for a new generation.

Lynne McNeil Editor