It seems that earlier this week, the world’s most famous rodent after Mickey Mouse, Punxsutawney Phil, predicted that there will be six more weeks of Winter and so, our Sunday weather forecast is once again calling for a significant chance of snow and wintery mix. This, once again, reminiscent of the movie Groundhog Day, has us repeating last weekend’s decision to CANCEL ALL ACTIVITES FOR THIS SUNDAY, 7 FEB 2021. We do not make these decisions lightly and do so out of an abundance of caution for the safety of our congregation and our community that we serve.
In the classic comedy movie “Groundhog Day” The main character Phil, played by iconic comedian Bill Murray says to his love interest Rita, played by Andie MacDowell: “…Whatever happens tomorrow, or for the rest of my life, I’m happy now… because I love you.” The feeling of loving someone and being loved is one of the greatest Blessings one can receive. What is wonderous and remarkable is that no matter how strong and how deep our love for someone might be, it can never compare to the inconceivable depths of God’s abundant and never-ending love for each of us!
My wife, Kathleen, shared her morning devotional from Upper Room with me on Friday. Here is what it said:
Risky Love
Jesus said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” – John 13:34 (NIV)
As I got home with a car full of groceries, my buddies — a pair of four-foot-tall sandhill cranes who wander the neighborhood — foraged in the yard. I sang out, “Hi, guys!” I love these birds, but that day they stalked toward me. Instead of admiring their red and gray plumage, all I saw were six-inch beaks. It felt risky to walk past them, so I retreated from them. I might feel safer if I never encountered the cranes, but I prefer enduring a few risky moments to forgoing the joy they bring me.
Loving people is risky too and can carry a sharp risk of hurt or loss. Relationships and ministries of all types make us vulnerable as
we open our hearts to others. For me, parenting my son, who suffers from bipolar disorder, is sometimes exhausting and heartbreaking. But it is also one of the great privileges and joys of my life. I would rather risk grief than not love him.
When we are tempted to withdraw from loving people wholeheartedly, we can take courage from Jesus’ example. He accepted the danger of loving us and never retreated. He was willing to risk it all on the cross because of his love for us, and we are called to love others the way Christ loves us.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Lord, help us to love like you. Encourage us to be brave and vulnerable with others. Amen.
We are called to LOVE LIKE CHRIST! Use this time away from our sanctuary to give praise and worship to our Risen Savior by LOVING LIKE CHRIST! Clear the snow from a neighbor’s walkway, call or visit to check on a friend, share a warm cup of coffee or tea and some friendly conversation with someone…find a way to LOVE LIKE CHRIST…the opportunity to do so is much closer than you think! Stay warm, Stay safe and Be Blessed!
The Love and Peace of Christ be with you this day and always!
Pastor Ron White
As always, Weather updates can be found at the National Weather Service at Wakefield through this link:
https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.phplat=37.5223&lon=-77.6215#.YBRfjuhKhPY or also by tuning in to your local news broadcast.