Hazel turns three years old today. She’s our fun-loving, friendly (and first family) dog who greets each day as though something wonderful might happen at any moment.
Well, tonight, Gavin and I will get on the road to attend a concert together. Between celebrating Hazel and sharing that drive with my son, I’m grateful for the ordinary moments that invite us to slow down and be present… which has been on my heart lately.
At my spiritual director’s suggestion in August, I began a two-week spiritual retreat and staycation beginning on Labor Day. I stepped away from my usual responsibilities, though I came to worship to be present as new partners joined St. Luke’s (on the 13th) and our kindergartners and fourth graders received Bibles (on the 20th). Those are always beautiful, special moments in worship. The retreat also gave me time to listen, rest, and remember that walking with God is a lifelong journey, sustained by God’s Spirit and grace.
This Sunday, we close our History Class worship series with Micah 6:1–8 and a question: “History Repeats… or Does It?” Using Ashley Boggin’s book, Wesleyan Vile-tality, we’ve looked at the stories of God’s people and the history of our Wesleyan heritage and United Methodist Church. We’ve seen courage and compassion, alongside the ways people can forget what matters, settle for comfort, or repeat old patterns of harm. Micah speaks into that kind of history. After recalling God’s faithfulness, the prophet asks what the Lord requires of us: “to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God” (v. 8).
I keep returning to that word walk. Micah doesn’t describe faith as a moment when we finally arrive and have everything figured out. Walking means paying attention to where we are, who is beside us, and where God is leading. We can learn from the road behind us without assuming it determines the road ahead. And by God’s grace, we can choose justice where harm has been repeated, mercy where compassion has been withheld, and humility where certainty has kept us from listening.
I don’t know what Gavin and I will talk about on our drive tonight. Perhaps we’ll talk about the concert, school, his upcoming Homecoming dance, or whatever happens to come to mind. I do know I’m looking forward to being with him along the way.
Likewise, our God always looks forward to being with U.
So, join us Sunday, because it’s not Love University… without U.
With love,
Pastor Corey