How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!–Psalm 133:1
I have always liked our church. I have always thought it is a truly awesome church, and I am so blessed to have found you all. When Grace Church merged with Edwards, all the Edwards folks were so kind, friendly, warm and accepting, open to new ideas and accommodating. With all the negativity in the press every day, I always loved spending time with and worshiping with a group of people who are trying so very hard to do good in the world and to be the best people they could be. I have learned so much from so many, through words and example and have found so much emotional support here. My parents passed away years ago, the rest of my family is all over the world, but not here, and Edwards became my family in so many ways.
Still, before March, there were definitely times when I felt exhausted and overcommitted. There were times I’d show up for team meetings thinking I just didn’t have the strength or patience to be at all useful, and while I usually felt better once folks were talking and laughing, and definitely by the end, still there were some times when I just wanted to go home and sleep.
Then in March my sister reached out to me for help in getting her house sorted, packed and cleaned so she could put it on the market. I traveled to her every weekend or more to help. Plus I had a weekend vacation, which was fun. I hadn’t thought I would miss all those meetings and services, but I was so wrong.
At some point, Debbie had given a sermon about us being rejuvenated by the “Deep and Wide” waters God supplies. Repeatedly since then, I imagined myself as a fountain, arms uplifted, standing in a pool of water, filled with the Holy Spirit and water coursing out of my outstretched fingers. I had been taught to assume this posture before going onstage to perform. If held for 3 minutes it purportedly calms the nerves and fills the performer with confidence, energy and focus to improve their performance. Now, incorporating the theme of God’s abundance and the Holy Spirit, just imagining myself as this makes me feel so good, I can smile despite whatever is going on. I hope that when my arms are outstretched to someone I interact with, that they too feel the Holy Spirit. I believe this was a theme of Debbie’s sermon that day.
Meanwhile, after a month, I was completely exhausted and felt very alone. Upon my return, I so appreciated you all! I couldn’t believe how delighted and relieved I was to be back. How lucky we are to have each other! Thank you for being the wonderful kindom of God that you are. I can hardly wait till it’s Easter and I can say, “Alleluia!!”
“Thank you God for giving us each other to love. Help us to be truly grateful, and always remember to welcome in the stranger.”
Ronda R. Yeomans