|
Days of “Now What” and “Well, at Least” . . .
I arrived at church yesterday just as Outdoor Pantry ended. Pulling in behind me was an old sedan that had seen better days. Clear plastic, mostly duct-taped but partially flapping, served as the car’s rear window. The car paused as it entered the parking lot and the driver retrieved the exhaust pipe which had just fallen to the slushy ground. I had to think it was a “Now What” kind of day for the folks in that car. Problem following problem, trouble chasing trouble, vexation compounding vexation. Now what. We’ve all been there, haven’t we?
Times like those, we call up our spiritual reserves in order to keep going. There are variations on this theme. “It could always be worse.” “But, God.” And then there’s “Well, at least . . .”
The volunteers at Outdoor Pantry were this family’s “Well, at least . . .” yesterday.
Well, at least there’s someone here to load up my car with nutritious food, no questions asked.
Well, at least there are friendly people who don’t even know me but are willing to help.
Well, at least somebody cares.
As churchpeople, we have the great privilege and responsibility to be someone else’s “Well, at least . . .” The grace we’ve received from God is something good, and gets even better as we pass it along.
Well, at least somebody’s praying for me. Well, at least somebody is looking out for the seniors in the neighborhood. Well, at least there’s a faith community who chooses hope over fear, faith over disinterest.
We have our “Now What” days—for sure—and well, at least we have a Christ to redeem us and one another to encourage us along the way.
God bless you today with a peace that surpasses understanding,
Pastor Lisa
Prayers, please for: Dave Rothe, battling blood infection; Vince Prantil, scheduled for brain surgery March 2; Pastor Mick Roshcke, undergoing medical tests; all facing difficult diagnoses.
|
