Ahhhh. Do you hear that? It’s the satisfying sound of accomplishment! Finished projects! Things I’ve longed to complete for days, weeks, months, even years are coming together. My holly trees in the front yard are trimmed and shaped, and the hosta bed behind the house is fully lined in bricks. My bed of daylilies is weeded and fresh, every single birdfeeder is filled to the brim, and all my spring decorations are on the mantle.
Did I do all that work myself? Of course not! I helped (a little) but my family all pitched in to get things done together over the past few days. We may not be able to go out into the world in our usual ways, but we are finding ways to manage our time and do things together. I think that made it even more fulfilling. To see each one lend willing hands to the good of the whole warms my heart, and throughout the summer as I look on each project I will remember how we shared the tasks.
Paul felt much that way about the people living in Philippi. “I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now.” When they all shared the tasks and spread the work of the Church among all the people, Paul was overwhelmed with gratitude for them. They were working together when he was with them, and they were working together when he was confined in prison – all for the glory of God. He was grateful they held him in prayer, and he wished he could be with them. (Philippians 1:3-11, NRSV)
I know that feeling, and it moves me beyond my small family circle. Oh, how I wish I could be with you! However, as our confinement continues, I am reminded more and more how you are working for the glory of God and the good of God’s Church – the Body of Christ. You are checking on one another, providing for one another, and offering to help as we care for and pray for one another. Obviously, I am not doing all the work of the Church by myself, and watching you love one another is fulfilling in a way that warms my heart. Each time I hear that you have talked with a neighbor, or supported someone with a meal, or run an errand to the grocery, I remember how we share in the projects as the hands and feet of Christ. I am grateful that you are holding me in prayer, and I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you.
Serving together,
Pastor Beth
Did I do all that work myself? Of course not! I helped (a little) but my family all pitched in to get things done together over the past few days. We may not be able to go out into the world in our usual ways, but we are finding ways to manage our time and do things together. I think that made it even more fulfilling. To see each one lend willing hands to the good of the whole warms my heart, and throughout the summer as I look on each project I will remember how we shared the tasks.
Paul felt much that way about the people living in Philippi. “I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now.” When they all shared the tasks and spread the work of the Church among all the people, Paul was overwhelmed with gratitude for them. They were working together when he was with them, and they were working together when he was confined in prison – all for the glory of God. He was grateful they held him in prayer, and he wished he could be with them. (Philippians 1:3-11, NRSV)
I know that feeling, and it moves me beyond my small family circle. Oh, how I wish I could be with you! However, as our confinement continues, I am reminded more and more how you are working for the glory of God and the good of God’s Church – the Body of Christ. You are checking on one another, providing for one another, and offering to help as we care for and pray for one another. Obviously, I am not doing all the work of the Church by myself, and watching you love one another is fulfilling in a way that warms my heart. Each time I hear that you have talked with a neighbor, or supported someone with a meal, or run an errand to the grocery, I remember how we share in the projects as the hands and feet of Christ. I am grateful that you are holding me in prayer, and I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you.
Serving together,
Pastor Beth
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