On Monday morning I waited outside a grocery store for 45 minutes before it opened for the day. The line got pretty long pretty quickly. They were letting only 20 people in at a time. There were things we needed to get, and to get the things we need, it appears that we have to try a little harder these days. Things we used to take for granted now require some extra effort. We have to focus a little harder. We’re drilling down on our priorities.
Or so we think. From what I can see, you and I are really disoriented. There’s a lot of fear. No one seems to have a sense for what life will be like in a month. This is a really hard time. I feel it, too.
I really don’t know if making sure I can get my hands on bread, milk, and boxes of cereal is going to solve any real problems right now. However, I do know that my relationship with God is going to help a lot. That relationship needs to be strong. Especially now. The complicating factor is that we can’t get together in large groups these days to grow in our relationship with God.
To help us focus on that, while we can’t meet in large groups, I want to introduce an opportunity for us. It’s called “Spiritual Direction.” If you’ve never heard of Spiritual Direction, it’s not quite what it sounds like. It’s not one person telling another person how to be spiritual. It’s an ancient Christian tradition where one person listens to another person reflect on his or her relationship with God.
I invite you to join me in a confidential “Spiritual Direction Dialogue.” We’ll talk about your faith walk and how God might be moving in your life these days. Right now, I’m planning to take appointments on Thursdays and Sundays. You and I can meet in-person at church, on the phone, or by video chat, your choice. We can meet once a week if you want. Click the link below to sign up.
On Sunday, we thought about Psalm 23 and the way it invites us to be open with God. When we are open with God, the Lord “makes us lie down in green pastures and leads us beside still waters.” Boy, that sure sounds good these days. Let’s see if we can get to that place together.
Your Fellow Minister in Christ,
Mark