Hi everyone,
I have to admit, I am tired. Both physically and emotionally, I am tired. Maybe it’s because we’re just recovering from Christmas. Maybe it’s because we haven’t yet started to recover from Christmas. Maybe it’s just because we have 3 kids. That’s probably it.
But we push on. The work is never done. We continue doing what we felt called and led to do.
I don’t think that means we should be tired all the time, mind you. I think it just means that there are other sources in which we can derive energy and fulfillment, other than literal sleep. For example, I am overjoyed with seeing how our sandwich making ministry is taking off and how many of you are so willing to be a part of it. I am extremely glad to see how our small congregation has been able to transition online over the past 10 months, and how we have been able to remain cohesive on the most part. I am ecstatic to see how generous our congregation was in supporting a refugee family in need with that Christmas hamper last month.
Some things are life sucking, no doubt about that. But let’s not lose sight of God in the areas that are life-giving.
That doesn’t always mean that the going is easy, but I do think it means that the going is worth it. Let’s continually and actively look for God in the world, that we might be able to see and recognise the signs of God’s grace, mercy, and love in and around our community and lives!
Here are next week’s readings:
1 Samuel 3:1-10
Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18
1 Corinthians 6:12-20
John 1:43-51
Here at the near start of the season after the Epiphany, we get stories of call. Stories of people hearing and seeing God in the world and deciding to follow that beckoning to do, to act, and to proclaim. But it isn’t easy. There is persecution along the way. There are roadblocks. There are times when difficult decisions have to be made and we wish that we aren’t the ones that have to make them.
But we push on.
Not because we are gluttons for punishment, but because we see the joy of God’s presence in our lives. We feel the showering of blessing upon us. We know that God is gracious and merciful and loves us into salvation.
It’s been 10 months of pandemic, and we are unsure of what the future holds. We have been put through our paces as a congregation and a community, and we might be feeling the burn. Coming down from the highs of Christmas, we might be getting a bit tired.
But let’s also not forget that God is with us. Let’s not forget that we are given the life that truly is life in God’s name. Let’s not forget the redemption found in Jesus Christ, whose light shines on us forever.
Sure, we can be tired, but the glimpses of God’s work in our lives makes it worth it. And the joy that comes from God truly is life-giving. Thanks be to God!
Have a great week, everyone!
Photo by Jessica Delp on Unsplash