Lake Deaton at Home

Do you remember a time when you had a deep sense of awe? I remember our daughter’s birth  and that deep sense of awe that enveloped me. The great miracle of new life. 10 fingers, 10 toes and lots of staring and wonder at that wonderful event. The same happened when our youngest son was born. 

2020 has been a difficult year, not just for us in our own circumstances, but around the world. We have spent most of this year being somewhat reclusive, protecting ourselves and others around us, wearing masks, and keeping safe, which we needed to do. As I read today’s scripture, I can’t help but miss the sense of awe that comes over me whenever the body of Christ gathers in unity and love. I like to hug people, I like to shake hands, and I like to see people’s faces––I miss that. I have missed seeing many of you and I miss meeting newcomers and making them feel welcome to our congregation. 

This year has made me realize that for most of my life I have taken for granted the ability to be physically part of the body of Christ, celebrating and worshipping together. What a crucial and vital aspect of my life has been the opportunities to join together with brothers and sisters in Christ. As I lament this difficult year, though, I am reminded of a book I read a couple of years ago, “One Thousand Gifts” by Ann Voskamp. This book challenged me to everyday discover that sense of awe in whatever the day brings to me. I just have to open my eyes and look at the way God is working around me. 

In the last few weeks I have heard of people sending cards to others, we have collected food for those in need, we sent an ERT team to help those affected by the hurricanes, we have shared prayers requests, we blessed the animals, and countless other ways that we have continued to be the body. So, today, I am thankful for each of you. I am thankful for those who I have not seen for a long time, but I know you are out there. I am thankful that going through this difficult time will help me appreciate being part of the body of Christ even more. 

Read: Acts 2:42-47

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Questions to Consider:

1. What do you lament more about going through this pandemic? 
2. Is there something that you can be thankful for today?
3. Find a way to send a blessing to someone that would cheer them up.

Prayer: Lord God, allow that sense of awe to come over us as we cherish the gift of being part of the body of Christ. Thank you that you are with us today. Help us to be a blessing to those around us. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!

Blessings,