7-25-12

Dear Family of faith, I'm tired! After just two days of keeping our almost-two-year-old granddaughter, Jill and I are worn out! And we have 12 days to go!! Talk about rearranging your schedule-- everything from sleeping and eating to shopping and showering! In the end it's all worth it. I am already thinking about keeping our Annika for two weeks every summer in spite of the fatigue factor. After all, the bonding that happens in 14 uninterrupted days between grandparents and grandchildren would take years to replicate in normal "visits from the children." It's the same feeling I have when we go on retreats (or camping trips) with the youth-- all those hours together would take a whole year's worth of meetings to create the same relationships. When I open the front door, and Annika comes running with her hands wide open for a hug; I don't take it for granted. This whole experience makes me reflect on what relationships in the church are supposed to be like. I believe that one of the great needs in our society today is to be touched physcially, emotionally, and spiritually by those whom we can trust. I just heard again tonight about a woman who "has no family" and is being cared for by a neighbor. I hear that a lot about people in Spring Hill. Loneliness is rampant. Even those who join us for worship on Sunday mornings can be "alone" the rest of the week. Somehow just sitting in a pew for an hour and fifteen minutes isn't enough. We need to be more to one another. I rejoice that the Fellowship Hour is so well attended, and I see many new friendships developing there. Just speaking to others before or after worship, embracing those around you, taking an interest in the cares and worries of others, listening to people's joys and sorrows, can make such a difference. And if you really want to be someone who takes being family seriously, invite others to join you for a meal or coffee. In an uncertain world full of threats and storms, the only thing we can count on is one another. A good friend is worth her weight in gold. Be one and you will have many. Hope you have a great rest of the week. See you Sunday. The sermon is about surviving friendships in rough times. With affection, Pastor Carlan