The picture is not flashy, but the words are trustworthy. This snapshot is from Seth Godin's new 17 lbs behemoth book, What Does It Sound Like When You Change Your Mind?

This community desires to provide good service, exemplify good leadership, and enjoy a good life through the use of inquiry.

This last week of 2016 is a fitting time to reflect on this past year and look forward our investment in the new year.

What made your list of things you cared about over the last 12 months?

I will assume family, job, and basic needs made your list. How was your care evident in each of these categories?

Questions are beautiful in that they will patiently wait for an answer. We must reject condemnation, but leave room for conviction of areas needing attention provide a focus for the continuing journey.

Holiday celebrations offer moments of conversation with friends and loved ones that may not receive the same priority during the remainder of the year. Strong eggnog, delicious meals, focused downtime, and lower cortisol levels allow our minds to address items that don't register on the daily fight or flight scale.

I met Mickey during our Christmas Eve service. He was a happy guy. He recounted what a good year this had been. One year ago, when he came to the same church service; he was homeless. Now, he was in a house and working to stabilize his living situation.

I asked him what common misunderstanding people have about the homeless. He said people don't recognize the difference a small gift makes. He was given six pennies from a little girl, and her mom said she wished it was more. He enthusiastically told the mother, this was the perfect amount for him to buy his 99 cent tea for the day. He was short the tax and the girl's gift satisfied the need.

The little girl gave all she had to express her care. Mickey was grateful for her care and loved being able to express his gratefulness. Now, these mere six pennies will compound their nearly insignificant value, as the seeds of inspiration are entrusted to you.

Care takes many forms, all it takes are eyes to see.