Back in the Stream of Life

It is time for Confession (well maybe not confession) but certainly a time to acknowledge where I could grow. This winter was dark, as many of you experienced. I heard from many families who said "We are just out of it this year" or " We can't seem to get it together." I know that feeling because I, too, am raising a family. I know that need for down time and I know that need for rest and renewal. I also know how important it is to be part of a faith community. I feel the tension between being present for my community's needs and coming to church for my renewal. Trust me! there are days, all I can do is sit quiet, not even begin to pray, much less teach. I know this; as many of you know this.

And yet, there is something I forgot. I forgot the constant stream of life. The constant life-affirming love that shows up, whether I see it or not. I was so busy running around, trying to get things done that I forgot that love was there with me, to help me. That love is the love we find in community. It is an energy that takes us beyond our needs and failures to our place of potential and wholeness. It is the love we need to move through our daily lives. It is the love that brings us to church, not because we get something but because our people need us in some way. You never know who needs a quiet smile or warm handshake.

I was reminded of this need one Sunday when a preschooler needed to use the "potty." The teacher had her hands full and so I took him to the men's room and stood outside the door. After he came out, he gave me a huge hug and said, "You are my best friend." It has been several weeks since, and every week he comes to me, hugs me and says "You are still my best friend." All I did was hold the door, but it was what he needed, it was an action that showed him he is cared for. It was a shared felt sense of love.

It is a time of many asks. I am aware of this. The RE program is asking for your registration and your time, the operating fund drive is asking for financial pledge, and many of our ministries are asking for your attention and service. Through all this I hope you tap into that source of life-affirming love. I hope you take time to remember your wholeness and potential and realize that the greatest need of your community is you. We need you, to be us.

I truly believe that as you commit to being present with us; sometimes coming to fill your cup and sometimes coming to fill others. It will become an instinct to offer what you can when you can. To know that your community is pulling together to grow in our life-affirming love.

See you Sunday!