It feels good to be writing again, and there are many stories to share from the past month. But the biggest story isn’t so much a story but lots of little stories, in the form of meditations written, meals made and delivered, repurposing for the future plans moving full steam ahead, newsletters proofed and printed, worship services prepared and produced, cards sent, prayers given by the members of St. Paul’s family throughout the past weeks while I recuperated from hip surgery.
Letting go of the reins is an act of faith that whoever takes them will steer the wagon well. Well-done, one and all! You continue to amaze and delight me with your wisdom, witness to God’s presence in this world, wit and love. Your work is a “fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to the Lord.” (Philippians 4:18).
A few weeks ago, I was talking with one of our sons on the phone, and he mentioned how strange his life felt compared to a year ago. I asked him to say more, and what he described was humming with an undertone that sounded like hope. There’s been more of that going around in the past month, hope as winter gives way to spring, hope as more people receive COVID19 vaccinations, hope that there will be enough vaccine available by May for all adults in our nation, hope that we will be able to travel and gather safely, hope that recovery is happening, simply put, hope for tomorrow.
Faith is trust or belief in a person or a thing that is not based on proof. Hope is an optimistic attitude of mind based on an expectation or desire. Faith says “it is so” now and hope says it could happen in the future. Faith and hope work in tandem, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)
On this Easter Monday, faith reminds us that, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” (Lamentations 3:22-24)
In faith, hope, and love ~ Anne
These meditations are provided as a ministry in this time of pandemic as a ministry of St. Paul’s U. C. C.
Wayfinding 