I pray that you are well and that you are looking forward, with me, to the rescheduled visit of some of our former clergy, including: Dick Hess, Alison Harrity, Paul Gennett, Kevin Moroney, Matt Holcombe, and Hillary Raining on Friday night, November 13 in St. David's Hall. We will also welcome some of our international ministry partners. I hope you will make reservations to join us for a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner (Yes, literally, a Thanksgiving dinner with turkey and dressing, etc.).
I've been thinking about the fragility of life and the purpose of life these past days as we mourn with the Stuard family over the death of their sixteen year old daughter, Kaela, and make plans to celebrate her life here on Saturday morning. The death of a child is the hardest thing many of us ever face. As a parent myself, I struggle with the loss and pain, even in the midst of a strong sense of the Christian promise: that Kaela and our loved ones who have gone before are alive with God. We will see them again and so we grieve, but not as people without hope.
Life is fragile, so Christ calls us to live our days with purpose. Christ calls us to live our days in the presence of God and in the hope that He promises. Christ also calls us to live, to use our gifts and to become our best selves so that we may be changed by God and make a change in the world around us. That purpose is different for each one of us. It's helpful to be reminded from time to time, and to be awakened to the possibilities for living - not just going through the motions.
The prophet Micah has some 'good words' about life's purpose, quoted above. I like them because they are like "topic sentences" for having a life with purpose and making a difference with our lives. You may have other scripture or good words that serve as your topic sentences to live fully each day.
Christ is calling all of us to live with purpose and I hope and pray that we may answer Christ's call. Our lives will be fuller and the difference each of us can make will be astounding.
