Hi everyone,

The other day our daughter came home and told me that two of her friends at her school are now dating. Now, bear in mind that she’s in grade 6, 11 years old, and still drinks liquids exclusively from a straw. My first reaction was, “oh, ok”. And then I thought, “wait, what?” But I landed on, “how do you feel about that?”

Because when I think about it, I remember totally falling for girls when I was around that age (and perhaps younger). I remember thinking that whichever person I was into at the time would be my “one and only”. I thought I knew how the story with her would end and it was always with happily ever after.

But it wasn’t. Not for a number of years at least.

I went through a lot of heartbreak growing up. A lot of pain. A lot of broken hopes and dreams and being taught the same lesson over and again that “happily ever after” is more like a “happy for now until you aren’t.” And now even in marriage, I’d be lying if I said that it’s a fairy tale 100% of the time. It’s still difficult, a lot of work, and bouts of heartache still.

But we keep at it and we try. Maybe not just in the realm of relationships, but in a various different endeavours and pursuits. We keep living life, full of ups and downs and everything in between.

Here are the readings for next week:
Malachi 4:1-2a
Psalm 98
2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
Luke 21:5-19
And a video of them being read:

Jesus knows that we’ll face heartache. Jesus knows that sometimes our hopes and dreams won’t be met. Jesus knows that our worlds end more often than we’d like them to.

Again, not necessarily in a romantic relationship, but maybe we lose our jobs, our homes, our loved ones. Maybe doors are shut in our faces and opportunities are lost. Maybe we are hit with loss after loss after loss.

But Jesus tells us that through it, we aren’t alone. Even in that hardship, we are lifted up and strengthened. When the chips are down and the going gets tough, we can see more clearly how we are surrounded by the saints, supported by our community, and sanctified by love.

I know it doesn’t always feel like it, especially if we’re in grade 6 with a “first love”, but God remains with us, will always hold us, and continues to remind us of our unchanging position and identity and God’s beloved people.

Thanks be to God! Have a great week, everyone!