The Real You

Good Morning Loved Ones,

Spring seems to be just around the corner and perhaps, today, you are as hungry for rebirth and warmth as I am. Daily we hear about the sorry state of our economy and the world. Daily there are realities we face in our lives that can cause us to doubt that we are heading in the right direction, toward spring, toward God's newness, God's Kingdom.

When Jesus told the disciples where he was going (the cross) and that they should follow him, Peter grabbed him and said, "No!" Then Jesus said to the disciples and the crowds,

"Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat; I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? What could you ever trade your soul for? If any of you are embarrassed over me and the way I'm leading you when you get around your fickle and unfocused friends, know that you'll be an even greater embarrassment to the Son of Man when he arrives in all the splendor of God, his Father, with an army of the holy angels." (Mark 8:34-38, The Message)

We are called to offer thanks in all circumstances and trust that Jesus is leading us to rebirth.

1) I give thanks for conflict and challenging conversations. It is only through facing problems directly and having frank discussions that we can move forward to resolutions. For those who are willing to speak up and confront, I give thanks.

2) I give thanks for moments of clarity, moments of hope, moments of joy in days that get weighed down by confusion and uncertainty. For music that touches my heart, for writers that challenge my understandings, for scripture that puts me in contact with the Holy and even for late-night comedians who can shake a chuckle out of a weary day, I give thanks.

3) I give thanks that even when I am uncertain about the direction I am heading, I am certain that God has surrounded me with people, brothers and sisters in Christ, whom I can trust and depend on and to whom I belong.

4) I give thanks that my family loves me even in my ugly moments.

5) I give thanks that we are led by Jesus who not only takes us to the cross but also to the empty tomb. I give thanks that the way of the cross is not an easy way, but one that challenges me to find the "real me," the child of a loving God whose way is self-giving. I give thanks that my "help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth."

Well, there you have it. Gratitude is not always bright and cheerful. Maybe yours' is today, maybe it isn't. Don't forget Paul's words to the Thessalonians, "give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:13)

Grace and peace,
Pastor Rick