PASTOR MIKE’S MEDITATIONS

November 2020

One of the primary tools that God uses to keep me motivated in life and ministry is gratitude. As one writer says, “gratitude takes nothing for granted.” Sadly, however, we may wonder what we have to be grateful for amidst the political division, social isolation due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and racial and relational tensions we feel? When life gets turned upside down such as when we face a tragic loss, gratitude can be part of how God helps us find out bearings.
For instance, instead of the frustrations we feel over having to wear masks when we gather inside for worship, we can be grateful that we are getting to gather together for worship at all. I know, I get it... I can feel done wearing masks too. But if it encourages or supports the safety of others, I can get over it. I can also look forward gratefully to the time when we when can gather for worship and can sing to our hearts content without masks.
While I miss getting to see many of you on Sunday mornings, I can choose to be grateful for the people and technology that enable us to live stream our worship services. While it is not optimal, (I still love and believe in the in person body of Christ gathering for worship), it is amazing that we can stay connected through our live stream services. I am also thankful for the ways this has enabled us to stay connected with members and friends who have moved out of the area. They are missed, but I am grateful when I see their names come up in the live chat of our live stream as a way we are able to remain connected.
In terms of one of my own particular challenges. I can be frustrated that my children are not able to enjoy the normal rhythm of attending school five days a week, or I can be thankful that they are able to attend school at all. I miss their regular sports activities, but sometimes that it causes me to take greater joy in the simplicity of a game of catch.
In anticipation of Advent, I already know that I will miss The Messiah, some of our usual outreach events, or comforting those who attend the Hospice of the Foothills Light up a Life event. At the same time, I look forward to a drive thru event being planned where we can help people experience the hope that comes through the light of Christ. I look forward to reaching out to some of the most vulnerable kids in our community through a modified version of Santa’s Shoppe, and celebrating our Savior’s birth on Christmas Eve.
So, this Thanksgiving season, our gatherings and celebrations may be different as people and as a church, but there is still reason for hope. Christ is still the Savior of the world, and the local church is still the primary vehicle through which that hope is proclaimed. God is still the same, yesterday, today, and tomorrow... and for that reason, we can be grateful.


With You on the Journey,
Pastor Mike