Wednesday, March 16, 2022

​Galatians 6:10
“So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all especially for those of the family of faith.” 
 
Have you grown up in a family where everyone was near to each other? Or has your family been scattered across the country? Is your family the kind that everyone gathers and stays in touch often? Or is your family not so much like that? Are there parts of your family it is hard to want to be around? However, you have experienced this, one of the ways we refer to our congregation is the Grace Family. For those whose biological family may be small or distant, many have found “family” in the body of Christ we call the Grace Family, 
 
One of the hardest things to hold onto during the last two years has been a sense of being that family. We have at times all felt like the distant relatives. If you have not yet told Jesus how hard this has been on your heart, know that you can take that lament to God. If you pray to God for your hurts and ask for transformation, you might be surprised.
 
If you have felt it has been hard to talk to God, you are not alone.
Let’s face it, these past two years have been hard work in so many ways.
Maybe so much so we cannot imagine thinking about a Bible passage that tells us to work for anything. 
 
And yet…What if when you see someone who looks weary, sad or angry (which is a lot of folks), instead of finding them frustrating, ask God, “I wonder what they are working on today?” Ponder it. 
This simple question can soften our hearts to compassion and to prayer.
 
“Lord, help me to see with others with your heart.”
If we don’t have any idea what someone is facing, God knows.
Another faithful prayer is, “Lord you know. Grant them what they most need. Grant me your heart for them.”
 
These simple acts of love really are an opportunity to work for the good of all including our own weary hearts. They remind us we are all a part of God’s family. 
 
Rev. Carolyn Hetrick