38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
(Romans 8:38-39)

Making your way in the world today takes everything you’ve got.
Taking a break from all your worries, sure would help a lot.
Wouldn’t you like to get away?  Sometimes you want to go
Where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came.
You wanna be where you can see our troubles are all the same
You wanna be where everybody knows Your name.
(Theme from “Cheers”)

Over the last couple of years, many of us have felt this way a little more often than in previous years. There seem to be more obstacles in our way: geographical, medical, regulatory, cultural, and perhaps spiritual. As our stress level rises, we feel overloaded – and yearn for relationships and their support. We need feelings of contribution, comfort, and sanctuary.

People we meet in our Bible stories also go through times of loneliness, anxiety and frustration – this isn’t unique to us, it just feels like it is when we’re in this state.

We still can feel uplifted by sunshine on a fresh blanket of snow, or by the warmth (and smell and sound) of a fireplace; the view at the birdfeeder or by the friendship of a dog or a cat. Or even something chocolate.

But we need our human interactions too, whether they take place at the corner pub or in the fellowship hall of our church building, whether we celebrate Jesus’ presence among us or simply trust that he is there looking on. A memorable sensation of warmth and satisfaction that I felt recently came as I delivered food & flowers to a WPC member at home. The emotion just hit me unannounced. I guess since it was more personal than the monthly delivery I make on behalf of WPC to the Hope Clinic food pantry, it struck me differently. I felt useful and honored to serve as God’s helping hands.

Dave Gross