Simple Gifts

But godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
-I Timothy 6:6-8

“Enough is as good as a feast.”  This admonition was shared with me by my father’s eldest sister, Aunt Pat.  It has brought freedom to my spirit in immeasurable ways.  I am not hard to please, in fact my sentimental spirit makes it easy to give me gifts that I truly and honestly enjoy and appreciate.  But I have been plagued all through my life of the fear of not being “enough”.

Embracing Simplicity is a spiritual practice that helps us to see that we have enough.  It helps us to see that we ARE enough.  And “enough is as good as a feast!”  Not every meal needs to be Easter dinner.  Enjoying a simple meal with people you love can feel better than Thanksgiving.

Paul encouraged Timothy to see godliness with contentment as a great gain.  We can’t take it with us.  Can we see the abundance all around us rather than the lack?  Can we appreciate the things we have and choose to live simply so that others may simply live?  In what ways can we simplify our calendar, our finances, our wardrobe, or our meal planning, in order to spend less time in worry and more time in thanksgiving?

Holy God, you have brought us together as one body with many members, each of us with gifts given according to your Spirit. We confess that we struggle to discern what role we are called to do. We speak when you call us to listen. We listen when you call us to walk. We walk when you call us to wait. We wait when you call us to do.  Forgive us, Lord.  Through the power of your Holy Spirit, show this community who you have called us to be. Guide us into unity and make us one.  Amen.

Lent Spiritual Practices worship services at 6:30pm:
April 2 – NO MEETING during SPRING BREAK
April 9 – Confession & Repentance

Holy Week Services:
April 13 – Palm Sunday Worship
April 17 – Maundy Thursday service 7pm in Garden Sanctuary
April 18 – Good Friday service 7pm in Main Sanctuary
April 20 – Easter Sunday worship, breakfast, egg hunt, celebration!