The injury I sustained a few weeks ago has been a terrible annoyance. The amount of time that it takes me to simply get from one place to another is frustrating. Simple tasks take on an entirely new level of difficulty. Some of my plans for the next few months had to be canceled while others were altered. Despite all of the difficulties, this forced slow-down has also proven to be a blessing! The old idiom about better understanding a person after “you’ve walked a mile in their shoes” has certainly proved true. I have a greater understanding and empathy for anyone who’s ever experienced reduced mobility. I’ve also been blown away by the response of our church family during our time of difficulty. Meals, gifts, snow shoveling, and many words of encouragement have reinforced in my mind how wonderful the gift of community really is. God designed us to function best while living in community with others and it is truly a delight to be a part of this community. I particularly resonate with the following Scriptures: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25) “Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2”
May you be blessed this week as you seek the Lord with a community of brothers and sisters in Christ!
By: Pastor Jay Mast
