God encourages life in community because we are wired to thrive in this setting.
As a pastor, my roll is to teach as I am able, pray as I am called and lead by example. If I want change… in our communal life, I have to be willing to be that change right along with each of you. I think our hearts beat stronger when we’re working, singing, playing and praying side by side, wouldn’t you agree?! My mind, body and spirit feel joyful when there’s a lot going on in our communal life together. My spirit is lifted when I anticipate our worship time each week and recognize the importance of this regular expression of my faith with yours for my life journey. I know that I have more energy and more hope when I’m with you non stop than laid up on the sofa with a slipped disc. And, I am learning that I will be better able to sustain this connectional life if I pause more often to give thanks for it all.
“Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
One of the things that I love most about the God who loves us is that we are always given a choice. God gives us free will so that in every situation we can choose our response. Even in the most dire of scenarios, characters in scripture show us that an attitude of gratitude brings peace amidst suffering and fear. Likewise, in the every day living we do, how much more contented would we be if our mental, emotional and spiritual framing was based in gratitude?
“A grateful heart recognizes that all of life is a gift.” Rev. Adam Hamilton
As our secular calendar brings us into the holiday season we celebrate Thanksgiving first.
It’s a time when our worldview of scarcity or abundance is elevated and we can easily slip into habits that reinforce these mindsets in ways that prevent us from being grateful or even gracious. As I am aware of these tensions and realities, I want to choose differently this holiday season. I am praying to live as gratefully as I feel in my heart. I am working through my own deep problems within, I am initiating changes in my habits that will more adequately reflect my thankful heart and I am hoping to give into what makes me content so that my life will be more balanced and joyful as it becomes more simple and generous.
I am grateful for each of you, my family of faith. I am thankful for the generosity of many who join me in ministry and who have helped me in times of personal need. I so appreciate the diversity of our paths and the way they converge in this place upon the rock of trust that we share in Jesus Christ. We are blessed, friends, with the unconditional love of God on which to rely as we journey together, communicate and I give thanks for it all.
Gratefully yours,
Pastor Kelly