a space of time

Between my physical exercise over the past six months (swimming 1/2 mile, running 2 miles, 1/2 hr weight lifting and 15 minutes stretching 3-5 days a week), the daily Bible journaling, and the growing spiritual focus around Fairlawn-West, I find a world that is full of gifts. That doesn't mean life is always good, but it is full of gifts.

Martha and my 15 wedding anniversary is coming up on April 22, Earth Day. That is another gift. Each year and especially this past year has been a time not just of growth for us, but growing in wisdom and spirit in Jesus Christ. I believe that is a gift this church has given to us. It is the best gift.

We have a number of folks around the church who are struggling themselves or have a loved one who is struggling. The issue of mental health becomes more and more a focus of our ministry. We all have pieces of "stuff" inside us. Some have more. How do we reach out to one another, stay connected, let go and let God, be clear about boundaries, pray for, and be present with, and honor God in the midst of all this. Those are things we are learning...a day at a time.