Looking Ahead in Trust
Today, by zoom, I met with our Finance Committee, the Bayou City Blessings and a Backpack Board, corresponded with our Stewardship Chair about our upcoming campaign, and had a phone conversation with Holy Spirit’s Head of School. At each turn I heard good news and each moment of encouragement was due to a group of awesome people who are committed to this wonderful community. Every conversation was filled with creativity, thoughtfulness, optimism, and laughter. We all know that this is a difficult moment in the world as the future of so many things are uncertain. None of the meetings I had today ignored or were naïve about this backdrop. But still there was a joyful and determined approach to do the very best we can to serve Holy Spirit and trust in God.
The gift of grace places us on solid ground even as things shift around us. Our hope has never been in cultural, financial, or healthful steadiness. Our hope is that even in the reality that things do and will change, our God remains steadfast. Our hope is in the unchangeable guarantee of God’s love. When Jesus walked out onto the sea of Galilee he was not deterred by the changes and fury of the storm. He instead set his gaze upon the disciples and came to them to assure them that he was in charge, not the storm. It was when he got into the boat with them that the storm was calmed.
Preparing for this fall has felt like being blown about by the storm. We wondered how we would be able to start school. We worked hard to prepare for in person worship. We dreamed of how we could make Easter extra special for you this year and how to remind you that you are loved and missed by your church. We imagined how we could still follow God’s lead on making our community a place of respite and assurance this fall through formation and fellowship. The end may not be in sight, but we know that we follow the one who knows the way, who is our truth, who gives us life. Friends, this fall will be different, but in some ways it will also be a continuation of how we live together as God’s beloved. I can’t wait to see our kiddos in their costumes or bless the furry (or scaley) members of your family. Whatever Christmas will look, we will welcome the incarnate God, our Emmanuel. Whatever is in store, I pray that you will find rest for your souls in our Jesus who comes into our boat and calms the storm.
We love you and God loves you.