Tuesday musings

Ever wonder how much control we have over our lives. Ever feel that somehow things are getting away from you and you spend so much time trying to find just the right thing to do or the right program or book to read that will provide all the answers. I was able to have the awesome time last week preparing for two funerals of two wonderful women, one was 102 and the other 90. As I talked to the families about their memories of their mother, grandmother, great grandmother and even great-great grandmother, I got to thinking about all they had witnessed in their lives. The eldest from the turn of the century to the turn of the century. They had survived wars, the Great Depression, and the rise of technology.

The youngest of the two I had the fortune of knowing her. She never let her age, her physical condition ever hinder her in what she was willing to do. She even went para-sailing at the age of 75. She was able to live her life fully. She never seemed to spend time worrying about what she could not do but was always flowing with what she could do.

I know that when I am at the age, if I am so lucky, I want to have the same attitude as she did. I believe that you don't find that in a book, a program, or the latest self-help fad. I believe it comes from a foundation of faith and a willingness to let God be God. I sometimes feel the same about church. As we prepare ourselves for our church conference, I would like to have us remember that no matter what we attempt to do, our first priority should be seeking God's Will.

So let go and let God. Remember the serenity prayer and resolve to change the things you can, accept the things that you cannot change, and have the wisdom to know the difference.

Priority of Grace

Last Sunday the topic of the sermon was the priority of grace as demonstrated by the parable of the father and two sons. I reflected on the grace as love given that is undeserved, unfailing, and unending. It is a gift that is given without regard of receiving anything back. I talked about previenent grace that God is at work even when we are unaware. When we become aware of God's love, we realize what we have done to separate ourselves from that love and seek reconciliation. God then justifies us through grace. As we are justified, we want to continue to live our lives based on God's Will not ours and that is sanctifying grace.

We see grace in all its manifestations in the parable both with the younger son and the father.