All in this together.


God’s dream is that you and I and all of us will realize we are family, that we are made for togetherness, for goodness, and for compassion. –Desmond Tutu


This week, I did something I haven’t done for a few years.

I went to church choir practice. My congregation is participating in a joint service for Good Friday, so this is a nice opportunity for me to not be the pastor and just be a choir member.

I had forgotten how much I enjoyed being part of a choir, a group that works together and is so much more than the sum of its parts. We laughed, we worked hard. By the end of the night, my throat was tight and tired—but in a very good way.

In everything in Life, we are each only part. Like a jigsaw puzzle with a gazillion pieces, each of us is vitally important to the Big Picture. Sometimes it can take us a while to figure out where we fit in, and sometimes—we can fit into a number of different places. When we find our place, it’s life-giving.

When you spend time in quiet, think about what gives you life. Then spend time in prayer and ask God to lead you to places and activities where you are most gifted to serve God and offer love and life. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is Life. And it is truly abundant.


Monday Remember today back to when you were in school. What was your favorite class? Who was your favorite teacher? Why? Joshua 5:10-12

Tuesday When was the last time you tried something new? How did it go? 
Psalm 32:7-11

Wednesday By nature, are you someone who plays it safe—or do you have a spirit of adventure? Think about the ways you eat, the places you like to visit, people you spend time with. Where is God at work? 2 Corinthians 5:16-17

Thursday Take a walk outside today (if possible). Watch for signs of renewal. Enjoy the breeze on your face. Listen for bird songs you don’t recognize. 
2 Corinthians 5:20-21

Friday What type of puzzler are you? Do you do crosswords? Jigsaw puzzles? Sudoku? What if today you tried something different? Just because you can? 
Luke 15:3-7

Saturday As you pray for yourself today, really listen deeply. Allow God to touch your deepest pain that you may not even have shared with anyone else. Rest in God’s grace. Luke 15:8-10

Sunday  As you come to worship this morning, lift your voice in song. Don’t worry about whether you think you can sing. God loves the sound of your voice! 
Luke 15:11-32

At Christmas, I am always struck by how the spirit of togetherness lies also at the heart of the story. A young mother and a dutiful father with their baby joined by poor shepherds and visitors from afar. 
They came with their gifts to worship the Christ Child.
 –Queen Elizabeth II

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