10-08-24

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
October 8, 2024
Growing up, October 8 was always a challenging day for me. It’s my sister Stephanie’s birthday, and my birthday is tomorrow. I had to pretend I was excited for her on her special day, but honestly, it was hard to focus my attention or enthusiasm on October 8. I was just hours away from my day, yet I was supposed to look as if I was fully present in the moment. NOT! I don’t know exactly when things changed, but at some point, other people’s birthdays were more fun. Maybe it’s because after getting your drivers license, being able to vote, and having your first legal drink, there is not a year that carries much excitement until you get Medicare. And around our house, at least for Donna and me, birthdays are more about where we are going to eat. It’s interesting how things change as the years pass, and I don’t want to pretend that we all become selfless individuals, but it’s sort of fun to celebrate other people’s big days, especially those who are young or hitting some of those celebration-worthy ages like sixteen.

Merciful God, continue to help us move away from a self-centered way of living to an other-centered way of living. You provided the example of self-giving love, and in faith, we seek to give a small witness to your unconditional and lavish love. Amen.