2023-07-02 10:56:57
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LossLoss
A neighbor stopped by this morning with the sad news that there was a drowning yesterday on the island. High winds and rip tides made the gulf water dangerous. Apparently one person was in trouble, and another went out to assist but he was pulled into the waves and vanished. How terribly sad! What was obviously intended as a wonderful day of laughter and fun, of a picnic lunch and swimming turned into a day of tragedy and loss. In the midst of life we are in death—suddenly the hours are robbed of their joy, only grief and sadness left in their wake. We live in a broken world, a world where our human frailty Is most evident. I think of this family whose lives will change because of this day; I think too of God who grieves with them, whose love for the lost individual exceeds their own. My prayer, Lord, is for peace, comfort and strength in the days ahead. May those who mourn feel your presence; may they, even in the midst of their loss, find reasons to celebrate a life filled with joyful times. Only you, dear Lord, can bring them your peace and courage for the hours to come. Amen.
Mine!Mine!
I watched a gull with a large fish in his mouth bent over at the edge of the beach. He seemed worried that I would steal the fish from him, and so tried to pick it up and fly, but the weight made flight almost impossible. Again and again, the fish fell from his beak, once almost slipping into the ocean and escaping. I stopped my walk so the bird could eat the fish in peace, but he was convinced I would grab it, still trying to hurry it to safety. I felt sorry for the gull; I didn’t want his fish and would have avoided him if I could. Sadly, I am sometimes like that gull, so worried that others will take from me what is “mine”, that I risk losing it in the very act of protecting it! In church I sing that all I have is a gift from God, and yet in my daily life I label “Mine!” too often, spending my energies, like the gull, protecting what is in no danger of loss and losing what is most valuable. Forgive me, Lord, when I worry more about what is mine than about what is yours. Help me share generously as you have so richly shared with me. Amen.
Our Journey RevisitedOur Journey Revisited
Life’s journey always seems rougher than some of our friends, doesn’t it? Our fast paced culture with the influence of social media can easily confuse us! Is it possible to listen to the Lord on our journey? The writer of Hebrews thinks so! Jesus gives us a joyful approach and good path! Come and join us as we help you travel with thanksgiving as the Lord goes ahead of us!
The Joy Continues,
Pastor Brian