Dear First Pres,
Over the last few weeks, I’ve talked about the way that all the current circumstances in our world have created a sense of pressure on families and communities and yes, even churches. The image that came to mind today, as my own family is dealing with the disappointment of cancelled Thanksgiving travel, is that of a frazzled family.
When we lived in Gig Harbor, WA, we would often drive to central California for our vacation time each summer. It was usually between a 12 to 14-hour drive, depending on our particular destination. And, even though we were all excited about vacation with the family, we would often be a bit frazzled by the time we arrived (especially when we would drive through the night). Unfortunately, when we were frazzled, we had a much harder time showing kindness to each other or forbearing that sibling annoyance, or keeping our cool in the midst of conflict. Do you know the feeling?
Well, it feels to me like there is a bit of that in our congregation right now. People are frazzled. The word means to show the effects of exhaustion or strain. According to my pastor friends, it’s happening in their churches right now too. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. This has been a difficult season with a lot of complex and weighty issues that don’t have simple solutions at the center of it all. But it is something about which we need to be aware.
For me, it would often happen after I gave a snarky answer to Diane or one of the kids. Suddenly, I would realize (thank you Holy Spirit) that I was acting in a way incompatible with the kind of husband/father/man I wanted to be. That awareness would lead to an apology and a prayer and a bit more vigilance in my attitude.
The good news is that God’s grace abounds. It abounds to us from Christ. And, because of that, it is meant to abound from us to one another. I am praying that the Lord helps us to share that grace with one another, especially in these difficult days.
But also, one of the best remedies to a frazzled soul is thanksgiving. First Thessalonians 5:18a says, “Give thanks in all circumstances.” When we start to give thanks to God it changes the direction of our souls from inward to Godward. An inward-directed soul expresses itself with selfishness, pride, annoyance, judgment, defensiveness, condemnation, and vitriol. A Godward directed soul manifests the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Which would you rather have at your Thanksgiving table this week? More importantly, which would you rather be? I know your answer is the same as mine. So, may the Lord help us to truly give thanks in all circumstances this week.
By the way, I am incredibly grateful for God’s call on my life to FPC Fresno. I love you. I miss you. I believe God is at work in powerful ways in our midst. Thank God that for such a time like this we are His Church, FPC Fresno.
Happy Thanksgiving!
In Christ,
Pastor Jeremy
P.S. Advent starts Sunday. Please make sure to create your own Advent candle wreath to help you lean into this special season. We have an incredible, fun plan to lean into this season together. Look for details on our website and in your mailbox.
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