01-21-26

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
January 21, 2026
Have you ever had more than the usual amount of stress at home, plus some big project at work, and you felt like you were at your limit? And then the world seemed pretty much out of control, and though you’d like to do something as a response to the world’s chaos, you question whether you have the energy or bandwidth to hold your family together and keep your job. Maybe I’m the only one, but I doubt it. For you, it might not be a job but medical issues for you or a family member. Or the stress could be coming from a relationship that did not end well and you’re still grieving the loss. The list of possibilities is endless, yet no one’s capacity is endless. We are all wired a little differently and how we deal with stress has a multitude of individual factors, yet at the end of the day, what happens when you feel compelled by God to do something? What happens when that quiet nudge comes and you have no clue where you will find the time or stamina? 

This may not be the answer anyone wants, but I want to remind people of last Sunday’s sermon. What does it mean to show yourself a little mercy and kindness? Though God might be calling you to do something, God also understands your circumstance better than you understand it. And maybe you cannot visualize the thing you can do because the chaos feels consuming. Equally important, remember that your task isn’t to solve whatever the cause of the chaos… at least in 99.8% of the situations (probably higher). Our task is to determine our task and then do it, trusting that God is calling hundreds, if not thousands of others, to do their little task. Together, we can calm the chaos. My faith tells me we can, but I also like the West Wing quote (you’re probably getting tired of them)—President Bartlet says to Will Bailey, “There's a promise that I ask everyone who works here to make: Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Do you know why?” Will knows the answer and responds, “Because it's the only thing that ever has.”

Give me a receptive heart, O God of Justice and Kindness. I am looking for a clear call from you, and though it might seem small, I trust it to be an important part of the work that needs to be done. Amen.