The cool air catches me off guard when I step out the front door each morning. A thoughtless breath becomes a gasp as the crisp air shocks my lungs. I should be prepared. I told my children to put on a jacket. I knew the forecast, however, the memory of summer’s heat lingers long.
Still the coolness calls us back outside from our conditioned air for playful evenings and longer conversations around the fire. The turning of the trees beckons our boots to trod again the trails of the woods. Hiking allows our family to be together to see the glory of God’s creation and remember similar explorations of years gone by. It is good to gather inside. It is also good to have the space be in adventure together outside.
I love how unexpected moments arise during hikes. Vistas on the way to the peak. Animal encounters which
stop our tracks. Stories and conversations which could not be had in cramped quarters. All blessings which would not occur if we did not commit to the journey, make preparations of clothing, food, & water, and go. The journey between these moments might take hours and be hard, but stitched together they hold a thread of the tale we tell about our lives.
I believe it is such a tale of hope that Paul speaks to in 1 Thessalonians, “We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. 3 We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” Paul had been run out of Thessalonica and had just heard from others reporting back from the community. Paul had committed to a journey, was blessed by his unexpected time along the way, underwent uncertain, hard times, and now is relaying his hope of how it is all coming together while his ultimate destination still lays ahead.
Friends, I pray you find such hope in this season. The air shifts and new opportunities arise. Yet the memory and reality of our arduous journey through the pandemic continues. I am thankful you continue to share God’s love and follow Jesus in this season. Your everyday labor of love is making a difference in our neighborhoods, community, and world. Our hope will endure in Jesus as we continue this journey together. There are such wonderful stories ahead.
May God’s blessings find your path this day and may His love surround you.
In Christ,
Pastor Joseph
