Blessing is a Blessing
Leading up to the game between the Lakers and the Thunder on Tuesday, there were plenty of questions about how Kareem Abdul-Jabbar would feel about LeBron breaking his all-time scoring record of 38,387 points. When LeBron shot the fated fade away jumper with every person in the crowd holding up their phones to document the moment, Kareem stood waiting on the sideline to congratulate and celebrate the feat of having scored more than any other player ever had. In an article he published on Wednesday Abdul-Jabbar wrote, “Bottom line about LeBron and me: LeBron makes me love the game again. And he makes me proud to be part of an ever-widening group of athletes who actively care about their community.” Rather then losing the record, Abdul-Jabbar celebrated the amazing success of a successor who inspired him.
While the church is not a competitive community, we can definitely identify with the sentiment that Abdul-Jabbar selflessly shared in celebration of LeBron’s accomplishment. The beauty of connection and commonality is found in how we root for each other and how we care for each other. The number of you who shared with me your joy in seeing the smile on little Thomas’ face after his baptism this past Sunday brought home how invested we all are in sharing the life and love of God’s grace. We will have another baptism this Sunday and I hope you will be there to surround and support the gift of new life bestowed on little Mack at the font.
One of the things I believe is often overlooked or missed in the Christian community is how important each and every person is when we gather. Just as you are surrounded by others singing hymns or kneeling with you at the altar rail, you also bless others by being a part of the Church gathered. I find this poignantly true when we share the peace. We reach out to our pew neighbors not only to proclaim the peace that comes as a result of hearing our forgiveness but to receive the same gift of proclamation as it comes back to us. One simple example of being a blessing to others in our church by simply showing up is our Trunk or Treat event. Simply sitting by your car and handing out sweet treats brings so much joy to the little ones who love that special night. I always promise without pause that being a blessing to our kiddos will be a blessing to you. I also think of everyone who volunteers to make our worship possible or who cooks for our fellowship gatherings. We would likely find similar truth in looking at every ministry that is a part of Holy Spirit.
I pray you will join us for all the upcoming events to be blessed by being a blessing.
We love you and God loves you,
Josh Condon+