“God is loving and God is loving all the time”:
Nearly verbatim, these are the words this morning’s preacher shared in his conclusion. Speaking to a congregation of nearly 900, he asked the congregation to momentary alter their common but nonetheless true and meaningful expression: “God is good and God is good all the time”, to remember that “God is loving,” irrespective their expectations and/or circumstances. Undoubtedly the preacher felt led to share this slightly amended affirmation, because he needed to hear and receive that same message. As the preacher, I too needed to hear and receive the message I bore: I too needed to share in that fundamental affirmation of the Christian faith.
Reflecting that affirmation, I am grateful for the several of you, who responded to my last blog: I am doing well and am thankful for your encouragement.
Indicative of these, I had the privilege Friday evening of visiting with a woman and her family in a small hospital. The setting was bright and simple, but with little of our American, medical technology in evidence. Our encounter was heartfelt: she wanted to go home.
Some time later, I was told that, after waiting in long lines, admission to a hospital does not guarantee immediate, medical attention. Thus only the very ill go to hospital, and therefore any preventive medical care is far from the norm; so too, those who wait might be seriously beyond needed care.
Also indicative of your kind expressions, last night’s study in John’s Gospel went well. Once those present had opportunity to gather in small groups: to engage in dialogue with one another and with the Scriptural text, their reserve melted—and this was particularly true among the younger women. I was greatly heartened by their enthusiasm. Equally, I was heartened by the presence of the General Secretary of the denomination’s General Assembly. He came to the study expressly to arrange a time, in order that he and I might discuss the possibility of a “spiritual retreat” for the synods’ leadership. We will meet this afternoon.
Tomorrow our in-service/ retreat with and for 23 pastors will begin. Meeting with these pastors is the primary purpose of my visit, and I greatly look forward to sharing with them. I have high expectations for our moments together; however, I need to heed the preacher’s words: “God is loving and God is loving all the time,” regardless my expectations.
Hopefully,
Stan
Ps. Our study this evening ended with great energy and excitement.