After what felt like an eternity, we gathered for worship. I had all kinds of thoughts and feelings. To see those willing to volunteer to keep the facility clean while sacrificing their own time of worship really made an impression on me. To watch our deacons serve the church calmed my anxiety. Many shoes had to be filled this first Sunday and while it wasn’t ideal or perfect, we were finally together.
When I focus too much on my thoughts and feelings, I am left out of balance and not prepared for the possibility of sudden change. On the stage was a display of the sermon series we didn’t get to finish, serving as a reminder that life doesn’t always go as planned. As each person arrived, I was excited to see who it would be. I didn’t see everyone I was looking for but given the circumstances, I didn’t think I would.
I learned a lot about my thoughts and feelings over the past few months and I am determined not to allow them to interfere with what God is doing. I’ve come far enough in this portion of my journey that I don’t want to think or feel my way to an ending I plan or desire but instead I want to see what He is showing and teaching me.
2 Kings 22:2
He did what was right in the Lord’s sight and walked in all the ways of his ancestor David; he did not turn to the right or the left.
King Josiah lived a balanced approach. He didn’t turn to the right or to the left. He didn’t overthink or overfeel, he did was right. It is an honor to serve with you, learn together and grow in our faith. We will gather again this Sunday and as time goes on many of you will return to in person worship. When you do, don’t allow your thoughts and feelings to determine your experience but come with an eagerness to be together and a desire to see this to the end. If we balance ourselves, we won’t overthink or overfeel our way to an ending.
Regardless of my thoughts and feelings, we were finally together. I hope when you read this it leaves you thinking and feeling the same.
Until we ALL see each other again
Pastor Chad