2024-03-13 11:36:55
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Sharing the IslandSharing the Island
I began my walk this morning when a neighbor waved to me. She is going through a very difficult time; she confessed that her life seems without value and meaning. As we walked and talked, I could feel her despair and pain. It would be wonderful to think my words or my company “cured” her, but I know that’s not the case. The causes of her difficulties, the problems themselves, still exist. However, I do believe that God can use a simple, random meeting for His good. What may seem random can be purposeful, intentional in God’s plan. In an email later that afternoon, my friend talked about our shared time. She walked on feeling less alone, feeling she had shared pain but experienced a healing, feeling God’s touch upon her, even during a quiet walk. Each of us is on a walk, O Lord, a walk that sometimes is slowed by pain, by grief, by doubts. Help us find your chosen companions on these walks, and help us to be just such a companion to others.
I began my walk this morning when a neighbor waved to me. She is going through a very difficult time; she confessed that her life seems without value and meaning. As we walked and talked, I could feel her despair and pain. It would be wonderful to think my words or my company “cured” her, but I know that’s not the case. The causes of her difficulties, the problems themselves, still exist. However, I do believe that God can use a simple, random meeting for His good. What may seem random can be purposeful, intentional in God’s plan. In an email later that afternoon, my friend talked about our shared time. She walked on feeling less alone, feeling she had shared pain but experienced a healing, feeling God’s touch upon her, even during a quiet walk. Each of us is on a walk, O Lord, a walk that sometimes is slowed by pain, by grief, by doubts. Help us find your chosen companions on these walks, and help us to be just such a companion to others.Don’t Touch!Don’t Touch!
Today, early in the morning, I approached an unfamiliar object on the beach, just above the water line. Its label warned that it was dangerous, phosphorous-filled, and should not be touched. The finder was asked to notify the police or military. The discovery saddened me. In the midst of so much serene beauty, under skies still washed with dawning light, I had stumbled upon something that hinted of death and destruction, something unconnected with the morning’s beauty. I remembered the passage from Philippians where we are told to think of what is pure and lovely. I tried to fix my thoughts on the right, the pure, the admirable, the excellent, and the praiseworthy. As I reported the object to the park ranger, my duty was complete. But now I need your help, Lord to find a way to live in this world with its unpleasant realities and still reach for you and your perfection of goodness and beauty. Help me find beauty even in the midst of ugliness. May I put aside this ugly object and try to be an agent of peace and beauty in a troubled, violent world. Amen.
Hoping For God’s Gift Living in the LightHoping For God’s Gift Living in the Light
You ever ride down route 65 at night (The Apalachicola Forest)? Ever drive in pouring rain at night? Meet a bear?
We are not by nature nocturnal! How many animals can you name that are nocturnal? I can list 28! More common in Florida owl, fox, opossum. raccoon, mole, skunk, armadillo, wolf-coyote.
What about Christians as a species? This group Pawl describes as people who can live in the light with God;s Grace! Come to worship this Advent as we worship the Lord lighting candles of Hope, Peace, Love, and Joy. All are marks of God’s Kingdom prophesied through Isaiah and the prophets! Are you ready to live in the light of the Lord? What an opportunity!
Blessings and Grace be with you,
Pastor Brian