Does anyone not love summer?
Hope you had a wonderful weekend with people you love in the beauty of God's world. Wasn't the prelude duet in yesterday's service fabulous? Never too late to watch if you missed it and share it with those who would love it!
Be blessed! With love from Rev. Dr. Sandy Seaton-Todd
Prayer I love the prayer structure given by Anne Lamott in her book. Help Thanks Wow. God, help us in all the ways we need it! God, thank you for all your blessings! God, I am in awe of the wonders all around me. Wow!
Bible Verses Ecclesiastes 9:7 Go eat your food with gladness and drink your wine with a joyful heart.
Nehemiah 8:10 Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing. This day is holy to the Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."
No matter what is swirling around us in the world, we can rejoice. Each day is a gift from God. Each day has its own blessings. The mercies of the Lord are new each morning! Joy comes from the Lord. When we choose to live in joy, we are strong and attractive.
Do you have rituals that remind you to relax and enjoy the moment? We were enjoying the beautiful day yesterday kayaking on Lake Chautauqua. Then we noticed that late in the afternoon suddenly all the boat traffic disappeared and we were the only ones on the water. We realized that it was cocktail hour and everyone had moved from the water to their porches! Whether or not you drink alcohol, cocktail hour is a wonderful ritual to gather with loved ones, relax, bask in the joys of the day, rejoice in life itself, and enjoy the moment.
It's easy to feel sad when we are alone, or be complacent and self-absorbed when our relationships are full. God calls all of us, whether we are alone or whether we are one of many, to be outward-focused and remember those who are in need of food or friendship. We all have the opportunity to initiate connection. Even in quarantine we can have cocktail hour. It can be by phone, zoom, on the patio or sidewalk, or in our hearts. We can feel close to others even from a distance.
God has created a beautiful world for us. God is with us. Let us rejoice and be glad in each day and each blessing!