​Thoughts for the Journey

United Methodist Church

200 Turner Road, Middletown, RI 02842

CALVARY

Whew! Like everyone else, I was glad to see our weeks of intense humidity dissipate. Then I remembered, summer is not over yet! It seems that we are in for another round of heat, humidity and rain. Growing up in central New York State, in the foothills of the Adirondacks, I should be used to it by now. Mid to end of June began the climb in temperature and moisture in the air. By August it would become the “dogs days” as my mother called it. I remember feeling like I was swimming underwater even though I was on dry land. She had the least tolerance to the weather so household chores were done early in the morning; shopping and errands were done in the heat of the day because there was air conditioning. Then dinner was delicious but always lighter. Dad would grill the meats outside and the kitchen stayed cool because salads and fruit jellies were done in the cool of the morning. We would all sit down to the table and just relax. Often, we went to the town park in the evening and appreciate what little breeze there was and then, oh yes, a trip to Bonomo’s for ice cream. Mom mentioned her discomfort but never really complained. This was the cycle of seasons and weather, anticipated with a little dread but always a plan. The plan was to work with the circumstances, look to the forecast, prepare for said circumstances and believe that this too would pass. Working with the circumstances.
            If we are to work with the circumstances, that means we have to first accept what they are then plan accordingly. Now, plans can or must change for nothing is set in stone. It seems that the metaphor of quicksand or at least shifting sands would serve us better. These plans we make are human in nature and must leave room for flexibility. Being very human, I see possibilities, concerns, fears, and hope but I cannot see the whole scope of what is to come. I am practical and know how our decisions and actions might play out. But I do know where I can take those possibilities, concerns, fears, and hope – straight to God. There is no other constant in our lives. I came across Psalm 119 (MSG) which includes this text,

What you say goes, God, and stays, as permanent as the heavens. Your truth never goes out of fashion; it’s as relevant as the earth when the sun comes up. Your Word and truth are dependable as ever; that’s what you ordered—you set the earth going. If your revelation hadn’t delighted me so, I would have given up when the hard times came. But I’ll never forget the advice you gave me; you saved my life with those wise words.

Save me! I’m all yours. I look high and low for your words of wisdom. 

 
In every generation there are cycles of seasons and circumstances. Sometimes humanity has risen above and sometimes humanity has sunk into that shifting sand. We do the best we can. I believe in the resilience, ingenuity, and gifts we, as human creations, possess. We plan and do our best to meet the circumstances. But I know that we are not God. We need God because God will never let us lose ourselves to the sands of time. Together, we are the plan for meeting the circumstances, the knowledge of the forecast, preparation for said circumstance and belief that what passes will pass into a space for all in the presence of the One who stays permanent.

                                                                              Slow it down, be aware, and position yourself for relief.                                                                                                                                       Pastor Laurie​​