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I love Fall. I love the bright sun and blue sky. The cooler temperatures. School supplies, marching band and football games. And coming back into the swing of things from Summer. This Fall, however, the transition has been overwhelming. I have thought to myself many times, “How do I get all of this done? There isn’t enough time in the day. There isn’t enough time in the week. What do you mean it is already October!” I have also had to say no to things because my calendar has been so full. Maybe your Fall has felt this way too. Deadlines and headlines, diagnoses and increased demand on time and attention.
But today I stopped to read Isaiah 43 with a friend,
But now, this is what the Lord says— who created you, who formed you, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine.When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior… Do not be afraid, I am with you.
At Grace, this fall our sermon series has focused on The Story God Keeps Telling: We are Called. We journeyed with Abraham as he lived that story- being called by God to go, to laugh, and to trust. We were invited to wonder how we, too, are being called.
This Sunday we will transition from Abraham’s story to the story of King David. We will read through 1 Samuel and David’s story and focus on The Story God Keeps Telling: We Are Messy and Loved. This theme feels so timely as we race through Fall and through this life. I can totally relate to life being messy but can we pause to consider that even in the midst of the mess, we are deeply loved by a God that promises, “Do not be afraid, I am with you.”
Don’t let sickness add to your overwhelm, remember this Sunday you can get your flu shot at church, so bring your insurance card!
Blessings,
Pastor Maria Markman
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