“I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.  For in him you have been enriched in every way…Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.  He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord.  God is faithful…” – I Cor. 1:4-9

You have all the tools you need for this job.  I remind myself of those words perpetually.  Everyone in our family has been sick for two weeks.  We are struggling with bad colds, nothing to do with fevers and covid, so I have much to be thankful for!  But being sick makes our regular routines and responsibilities more difficult…  even the dog is sick!!!  This morning, as I was trying to juggle a husband who has been sick for a week but went to work anyway, mom who has been sick and couldn’t come care for our kids today, online school with a computer on the fritz, my own work responsibilities, and getting the sick dog to the vet before 8am, I remembered these words of Paul, “you do not lack any spiritual gift.”  Basically, you have everything you need.  Well sometimes it sure doesn’t feel like it!

Recently I read an article about juggling too many responsibilities.  The author talked about how when you are juggling 50 balls it’s impossible to keep them all in the air.  You WILL drop some balls.  The important thing is to remember which balls are plastic and which ones are glass.  You want to take more care of the more delicate balls and make sure those don’t fall – because they will break.  The plastic ones will bounce.  Realizing which ones are plastic is essential in this time of chaos and distress.  As we navigate work, family, COVID, elections and upcoming holidays, I want to encourage you that you have all that you need… BUT you might need to ask for help.  

One of my favorite quotes is from Gandhi, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”  When I think about world changers I am amazed at how they maintain perspective and hold on to hope.  They may not see all the goals accomplished in their own lifetimes, but they don’t give up moving forward.  They keep working towards the change they desire because even a small step is progress.  As you step out to love your neighbor more radically and fully, there will be setbacks and struggles.  Just remember that God is faithful and you have everything you need.

A powerful way you can change the world is by supporting Embracing Orphans.  Have you signed up for Embracing Orphans’ “Home Run” Fun Run?  Home Run is a virtual run (5k+) supporting The Father’s House & Immanuel House, transitional homes for young women and young men leaving state care in Jamaica.  Home Run is a suggested donation of $50 to Embracing Orphans and will take place Oct. 16, 17, & 18.   You may walk, bicycle, swim, or any other form of human movement. 

Register Now: www.embracingorphans.org/

 God of grace and mercy, You create a new order for our lives: service before success, faith before knowledge, partnership over independence, the cross over the crown. Forgive us when we fall into the patterns of this world, rejecting your call through our action or inaction.  Forgive us, God, and move us to see the world through the lens of your great love.  Forgive us, God, and grant us peace.  Amen