With the beginning of the new year, many of us are just emerging from a time of “resolution making.”  Besides the requisite “exercising more, working less, and eating better” most of my other personal resolutions remain overly abstract.  I resolve to be a better person or to transform the world through my vocation and mission.  But I’ve always found these abstractions to paralyze my ability to find a specific need and do something about it.

I was reminded of this specifically in listening to NPR’s recent “Speaking of Faith” podcast.  The host, Krista Tippett, interviewed the French Catholic Jean Vanier, Founder of the L’Arche movement.  Many may have also encountered L’Arche through the writings of Henri Nouwen.  There are 131 L’Arche communities in 34 countries centered around people with mental disabilities.  Physically healthy adults engage in assisting those needing physical and mental support while all live in community with one another.

Jean Vanier notes that we are all “broken” in some way, “When you start living with people with disabilities”, he says, “you begin to discover a whole lot of things about yourself.” For those of us set on changing the world, doing better, or making a difference, Vanier encourages us to invest in the concrete.  He is less interested in “changing the world.”  He is more interested in changing himself and the community in which he lives.  Of course, Vanier believes that it is this change within oneself that leads to the necessary authenticity to be the presence of Christ in the world.

Vanier’s words are powerful.  I’d encourage you to listen to the podcast or read the transcript of his interview with Krista Tippett.  http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/programs/2009/wisdom-of-tenderness/ Vanier challenges me to get concrete.  To not be satisfied in resolving to “help others” but engaging in a specific ministry and mission so that I too may be changed.  What is your ministry that you are willing to pour yourself personally into in this  New Year?