Today’s Readings: 2 Kings 20, Ephesians 4, Acts 24, Psalm 37
But each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ’s gift. –Ephesians 4:7
I had an interesting week off. At the beginning of the week, I bid farewell to a friend and colleague, helping her move to her new ministry. At the end of the week, I observed a quiet Thanksgiving with my wife, my daughter and her boyfriend. Meanwhile, the world continued to swirl around us. COVID-19 continues to rage. The uneasy political transition in our country continues to unfold. People continue to line up at food pantries and meal programs and search for jobs and justice. Still, if you look past all the bad news, there is Good News. There is life in the midst of death. Kindness in the midst of struggle. Hope in the midst of despair. I know this to be true because, if you dare to look, there are people all around us using their many and varied gifts for the sake of others. People working to build up and not break down. In spite of the unsettled oddness of this time, God’s grace can still be found. And for that, I give thanks.