I wish that we could say that a whole lot has changed here over the past few weeks but, alas, the language train keeps rattling down the tracks and life continues to move along as normal. But that’s not altogether a bad thing, because we really do appreciate the quieter moments in between, when we don’t have to feel guilty for strolling through the park, for walking around taking pictures, or catching up on a good book. We all need those times in between, those moments of mortar between all the bricks of responsibility and duty and productivity. I think they just make us feel more human. And this is evident all around us. The sidewalks have become busier and the paces slower, more young families and couples have taken to the grassy areas of the park, and everywhere nature seems to be flexing its stiffened limbs as birds, trees, and sunlight all boast their intrinsic beauties. As the temperature creeps higher with each passing day, the newness around us is unmistakeable, and we are grateful to be a part of it, for this new energy comes as more than shaking out the physiological cobwebs. It’s a newness of the spirit, a newness of the heart, by which all things become possible. With the world around us snapping back into focus, things seem to be regaining their clarity and offering more vibrant expressions of hope and purpose.
The Kingdom is unfolding everywhere around us as mouths, trees, and the very rocks cry out in harmony to a God of sustenance and renewal. In each new friend we make we find but one more example of our acceptance here, which in turn testifies to a God of willful community, and as we continue to call this place home we find that our citizenship to the Kingdom takes on many more hues than once thought. We serve a God of revelation, of mystery, and of intimate nearness, with every new day challenging us to step outside of ourselves and see a God at tireless work all around us. May we transcend our often short-sighted views of God in order to embrace a Creation being brought back into relationship with its Creator. May we find our places in this grand work called Salvation.
Graham