07-13-24

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
July 13, 2024
As I sit at home, I keep on refreshing the online tracking of where power has been restored. It sort of feels like I’m waiting to see if I have won the lottery. It’s not my house, but the church that I keep on checking. At the end of the day, I have said to numerous people, if it is a choice between having power returned to the church or returned to a neighborhood, I will choose the neighborhood every day and twice on Sunday. As much as I do not like uncertainty when it comes to Sunday morning, I am very aware of those who have not slept well in five days because of the heat. It’s not funny, but one of our church members said, “I am exhausted from the heat when I go to bed at night, but my overheated body and the sweat keep me from falling asleep… which, of course, only makes me more exhausted.” I wish I could snap my fingers or find a genie ready to grant me three wishes, the first being a perfect night of rest for everyone. This is just one more occasion for us to be reminded of how important kindness and grace are. That person who doesn’t follow the rules of a four-way stop or the individual in the grocery store who is rather cantankerous toward the checker should all be shown a little more kindness and grace at this time. We’ve all had that moment when we were bone-tired and frustrated and missing our usual hygiene rituals. In those moments, most of us become a bit of a curmudgeon. As much as you’d like to give that person a good night of rest in a well-air-conditioned home, maybe the best gift that you can give is some understanding and empathy. I tried not to say too many negative things when the second and third cars followed the first car through the four-way stop. Though a little dangerous, at the end of the day, I was no worse off. 

When someone is frustrated and their utter exhaustion keeps them from recognizing and dampening down their frustration, I pray for patience and kindness. Since you have shown me such things, Merciful God, I seek to emulate you. Amen.