Late summer, 2004
Friends,
"Did I ever tell you about the time when....?"
There's something so wonderful, so deep, so spiritual; of being able to
start a conversation that way.
When someone starts on a long story about their childhood, or their last
vacation, or a time when they were walking through the deepest of spiritual
valleys, we -- the one to whom the story is being told -- have been granted the
great privilege to listen. At that very moment, the person speaking has opened
themselves up -- they've revealed a part of themselves that perhaps no one ever
knew before.
As I look around Lincoln Chapel -- and as I listen to the conversations
that permeate this place on Sundays and throughout the week -- I'm finding out
that we're getting to know one another perhaps better than ever before. I see a
new depth coming to long-established relationships. I see hospitality being
extended to the many new families who have recently come to walk in faith among
us. I see a "wideness in God's mercy" as old feuds and grudges are laid to
rest. I see God's love growing deeper and broader within our fellowship.
And it's all coming by opening up. As we open up to each other, we're
opening ourselves to the Spirit. As we become more honest with God -- more
intent on being an instrument of grace and peace -- we're finding a new beauty
and value in our relationships. Yes, there are still obstacles to overcome.
But if we continue to be open with one another -- sharing our joys and our
burdens, our wisdom and our experiences, our love and our forgiveness -- there
is no limit as to how the Spirit can cause us to grow together.
My word for you is to continue to grow together. Continue to be open to
new relationships, as well as deepening longstanding ones. Pick up the phone
and give your friend at church a call. Introduce yourself to someone you don't
know. Open yourself up to them. Say, "Did I ever tell you about the time
when...?"
Marcia and I wish you a peaceful summer,
Pastor Jon West