February 6, 2021
I have been a part of a virtual food and cooking group through Facebook. I have been thinking about ways in which the connections could deepen such as Zoom or even videos of us cooking something for instructional and purposes of connection. Also, to infuse the joy that we all seem to have for everything food. In prayer and mediation, God has revealed a different path however for me to take. What was it that I felt? While only knowing eight of the 90 members. I felt connected not just in cooking but with their humanity. I conversed with a woman that prepares make ahead meals for her daughter who recently delivered a baby and a woman who owns a printing company with her husband. I would imagine that both families have been and are affected by the pandemic. The first having to be in the hospital during a pandemic and second the loss of income in a business that relies on other businesses doing well. I saw their humanity beyond what brought us all together. For the woman that was helping her daughter with meals, her Facebook page revealed a large family connected by love and service to one another. On the day of prepping meals, the daughter was present as well. Psalm 147, the psalmist cries, “Praise the Lord! How good it is to sing praises to our God; for he is gracious, and a song of praise is fitting.” God is providing so much for these 90 people; even beyond the food that they have in their homes. Why did I feel this way? What provoked this emotion? As I begin a new pastorate this week, I believe God is moving me to see me beyond the immediate needs and look at my flock with the same eyes that Jesus had for God’s people. Even in our rush of preparing for worship and committee meetings, God has reminded me this week to remember each person’s humanity as I begin this week. I am still amazed and grateful for the spirit that has moved me beyond discussions of a recipe. How do I respond to this moment? I resolve in the next 12 hours to look beyond any church assignment, look beyond their bios, and look at who they are and what they are facing, and what they cherish in their lives. As I prepare to lead my new church tomorrow, I resolve to take with me Professor James’ guidance to speak graciously, gently, honestly, respectfully, and with a touch of salt (in a way that has a nice flavor and a bit of Gospel in there).