Philippians 4:4-7
 
Looking out across the North Sea, at a place on the beach where our family had walked together three weeks before, I was overwhelmed with joy and sadness.  It was my last night in Scotland.  I had just finished the circuit of places I wanted to visit "one last time" before I left.
 
As I remembered our travels through London and Coventry, Edinburgh and Aberdeen, I was overhelmed with joy for the places we went, the people we encountered and the times we enjoyed.  I was overcome with sadness, because our travels had ended and, perhaps, more than anytime since they had left Scotland, I missed my family.  Strangely enough, I was also overwhelmed with joy for the people of Aberdeen, my colleagues in my doctoral program, the work we had accomplished and the times we shared.  Likewise, I was overcome with sadness for, once again, I would be leaving Scotland, a place and people I have come to love, more and more, over the fifteen plus years I have been visiting. 
 
Walking back to my room at the Alba, past the young children playing soccer, with the majestic sea at my back and a glorious sunset lighting my path, I was overcome with joy and gratitude to God, amidst my overwhelming sadness, and I remembered this is what it means to worship.
 
As I reflect on that experience, I am reminded of what a precious gift it is to be people of faith.  I am reminded that not everyone has been blessed to look at life - the sorrow and suffering, as well as, the joy and laughter - through the eyes of faith.  To be given hope in times of despair, to know comfort in seasons of grief, to rejoice in all things and to be given peace, a peace that passes all understanding, because we have come to know the love of God in Jesus Christ is a wondrous gift.  It is no wonder Jesus looked upon those who had no faith, as sheep without a shepherd, and had compassion upon them.  Likewise, it is no wonder Jesus despised those who had taken this precious gift they had been given and made of it a moral and spiritual burden.  For the gift of faith is the greatest gift we may receive.
 
In returning home and preparing for another year in the life of the people of Faith United, I am aware that for some this has been a relatively ordinary summer, while for others it has been quite extraordinary.  I look forward to hearing about both.  While a great joy for some, I am also aware the season has been most sorrowful for others.  In the knowledge that it is God who strengthens us, I am prepared to share in those times, as well.
 
Grateful in my time away and grateful in my return, I look forward to sharing in your lives and faith, your sorrows and your joys, rejoicing in each, for the love of Jesus Christ we have to share.  See you in church!
 
Pastor Myers
revhaggis1@hotmail.com