Hello, beloved of God!
We are better together.
That is one of my cornerstone convictions. Biblically, we hear this in the second creation story, after God scoops up a bit of dirt, molds it, blows the breath of life into its nostrils, creating the adam, Hebrew for earth creature. Just a few short verses later, after our author describes Eden and God places the adam, the man, in Eden with a job to do, God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner” (Genesis 2:18).
It is not good for us to be alone. We are better together.
That’s one reason we gather as the church, whether it’s in our Celebration Center or at Sherman Arts Fest or 903 Brewers or each other’s homes. One of my mentors described our work together like being spiritual running partners. Even though I despise running, I understand the metaphor – we keep pace with each other, we encourage each other to keep going, we hold each other accountable.
When I was in seminary, all first-year students were assigned to spiritual formation groups. A group of 8-10 students met with a professor to be spiritual running partners for each other, with no grade looming over our heads. I was blessed to have Dr. Rebekah Miles, a United Methodist clergywoman from Arkansas, as my group’s leader. Each week, she asked us one question – Where did you see God this week?
It was telling that a few of us didn’t have answers at first. God had become the subject of our studies and less the author of our lives. But after that first week or two, we all had answers because we knew the question was coming and we started paying attention. That beautiful sunrise – God. That whisper of a cool breeze – God. That friend who let us know there was food available in the kitchen when we were hungry – God. The healthy bodies and minds that allowed us to continue our studies – God. The congregations that loved us and affirmed our callings to become pastors – God.
This week I’ve seen God in holy conversations with our church leaders, in a gathering of United Methodists committed to being in healthy relationship with young adults, and while learning more about the work of Family Promise as I visited their office.
Where have you seen God this week?
I’m praying for you. I hope you are praying for me.
grace & peace,
Pastor Jessica.