Hi everyone,
So it was one of our kids’ birthday yesterday, and the whole day was a bit of a gong show for me, despite my best efforts. First we had a bit of trouble with the rides, but we sorted that out pretty quick. Then parking at the venue was madness and I ended up waiting in the car to get a spot for like 90% of the time we were there (I wasn’t aggressive enough to force my way into a spot).
When we were back at the house for lunch I knocked the (uncapped) sugary drink onto the floor, splashing said sugary drink to the furthest reaches of the universe and breaking a plate that went along for the ride, so we had to spend some time cleaning that up while the kids ate. And then for dinner at one of those “experience” restaurants I thought the experience was to dump the food onto the table, mix it up, and eat it from there (which is what I did with my friends the last time we were there), but as I looked around the restaurant I noticed that literally NO ONE was doing what we did, and I started feeling really self conscious and awkward in doing something so odd and messy in a public place.
So you see what I mean by gong show. I was worried that I ruined this kid’s birthday, but when we asked them about it, they nothing to say but good things and how much fun the day was. This really warmed my heart because really, for that one day at least, that was what it was all about.
Oh, and I also asked a server about dumping food on the table and she assured us that we did it right and that it was everyone else that day that was wrong. Crisis truly averted, I guess.
Here are the readings for next Sunday:
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Psalm 51:1-12
Hebrews 5:5-10
John 12:20-33
“We want to see Jesus.”
This seems like a bold request, but a request that is probably made by everyone who has ever lived at some point in their lives. Perhaps not to see Jesus by name, but to see the results of Jesus’ teaching, ministry, and love. We want to see compassion, charity, and community care. We want to see peace, joy, and relationship.
And while all those things are sometimes hard to see in a world that seems to be so full of hurt, brokenness, and pain, they are there if we look in the right places. They are there if we shift our focus off the bad and onto the good. They are there as we turn our eyes upon Jesus, look full in his wonderful face. And then the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace (I think someone should write a song or something to that effect).
The point is, we are constantly reminded of the presence of God through Jesus in our midst. We are blessed with pockets of goodness and mercy. We are gifted with people all around us who care for us and we can care for. That even when times are difficult and seemingly without any way out, we can trust that we are not left alone, abandoned, or to fend for ourselves, but are always welcomed, included, and loved.
It is a joy to be part of God’s family and community! May we always see that in and throughout our lives.
Thanks be to God! Have a great week, everyone!
Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash