Bright Spots?

It is Tuesday evening. This is the time when I write my blog and post it for notification on Wednesday morning. Since I didn’t write a blog last week, I thought surely I would do better this week, but as I’ve pondered it throughout today, my mind is blank. I guess that’s what vacation is all about. Oh, it’s not that there is nothing in my mind - it’s just that it’s going in a hundred different directions!

Maybe I could mention the two young men I walked by today as I entered a big-box department store here in town. As I passed by, they were just saying so long to each other and one young man said to the one who was leaving, “Well, drive safe and don’t get into any trouble.” They both chuckled and I was out of earshot by the time the other young man was speaking. I smiled, thinking about the relationship these boys might enjoy. Friends who look out for one another, who encourage one another and hold the other accountable. Their exchange was a bright spot in my day even though it was only seconds long and full of my own assumptions. Still, I couldn’t help but think of Ephesians 4:29 and how I received grace as I heard their conversation. There was no swearing, no condemnation. What I heard came across as heart-felt, sincere, and kind. God knew I would need that “bright spot” in my day, because another “bright spot,” for me, is not so.

As I wrote these last few words, my email notification sounded so I headed over to see the latest from the General Conference of the United Methodist “Church” which I serve locally as a Wesleyan pastor. I read a special alert:

Today, General Conference made historic policy changes that chip away at longtime church restrictions against LGBTQ people, reduced requested giving to fund the general-church budget, and approved an ecumenical partnership with the Episcopal Church. Learn about these decisions, including what they mean for Minnesota and what delegates have to say about them, and other bright spots in our midst. (Emphasis added.)

I saw it coming, but now it is real. While the UMC celebrates their historic policy changes, my heart breaks for another apostate religious organization. I fought tears as I read, and still fight them now as I think about the wide-spread implications of this historic decision.

Personally, I will also need to make some changes. I covet your prayers. I am so thankful, I know Who holds the future and I know Who holds my hand.

There is another bright spot. As I write, I look over at my beloved sister as she fights a different kind of battle than I. She’s trying to untangle the ball of yarn she is using to knit a small blanket for her sweet, little poodle. Life is good. I am blessed. God is with us.

Prayer: Father, thank you for your many blessings. Thank you for so many things for which we can be grateful. Thank you for loving us and for loving them. Thank you that love is not always easy, but it is always your will. Help me to speak the truth, always in love. In Jesus’ name and for your glory. Amen.