You get the idea.
Choose life. Pay attention.
Are you making your own list of goosebump moments?
It astounds me: this one named Andrea Gibson, who grappled with their mortality as cancer invaded their body. They paid attention to all the good, all the joy, all the tenderness - soaking up every moment of the living.
Below I leave with you the poetry I’ve shared in worship the last couple of Sundays. As well, you’ll find a link to a Lenten devotional by Rev. Dr. Jeehei Park. Dr. Park is a New Testament scholar and teaches at Seminary of the Southwest here in Austin. And yes, she is married to our own Rev. Earl Kim. In this beautiful devotional about Nicodemus in John’s Gospel, she reminds us that the deepening of our faith journey often happens in small, quiet moments rather than big, dramatic moments. In a world that celebrates the spectacular, I need this reminder that quiet faithfulness can, in time, change the direction of my life for the better. I encourage you to take a listen to her devotional below. And a special note for Boston Celtics fans, you’ll hear a shout-out!
Speaking of the power of small things, Roedel’s poem is a reminder that there is power in serving others. The overwhelming need in this world can leave us feeling powerless, but this poem reminds us that when we roll up our sleeves and serve those in need, we are truly making a difference. And this difference is felt not only in the lives of those we serve, but within our own lives as serving transforms us into gentle, kind people who are more resilient and hopeful.
I hope you have a great weekend. “Joy is not meant to be a crumb”, says the late poet Mary Oliver. So this day, I pray for experiences that bring you great joy. And I hope to see you in worship, where we will hear from some of our young people as they "Tell us Something Good!"
What a joy to be your pastor!
Teresa
