“Whoever welcomes you, welcomes me.” Matthew 10:40 When you are down and troubled and you need a helping hand….the lyrics from James Taylor’s song “You’ve Got a Friend” are running through my mind as I write this morning. There have been times during these 100 plus days of pandemic and my rising awareness of the deep extent of my limitations, fears, fragility, powerlessness and discomfort that my faith muscle has been shaking. Remembering that Jesus did not promise it would be in any way easy to follow, I have also been reminded we do not go alone. We. The translation of this week’s gospel reading of Matthew 10:40-42 in the Message spoke a powerful word into my current condition. Here is Mat

Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. - 1 John 4:17 WE- it speaks so much easier than it is to live it out. LOVE- it speaks so much easier than it is to live it out. GOD- to us in so many ways that the breadth and depth of God’s love for us is infinite. To listen and learn, practice and share, receive and give this love of God takes time. WE -it speaks so much easier than it is to live it out. God has created us one for another. Now we are getting to practice how to be creative, patient, kind, and loving. LOVE - it speaks so much easier than it is to live it out. Now is the time we get to be very intentional as we seek to live from a place of considera

Both. Always and all ways. Both. Who knew? Who knew that such a powerful connection could be made across borders, across age groups, across life experiences? Who knew that together we would hear a song- it would be comfort, inspiration and be a balm? Who knew that when we watched a music video it would remind me of both the always and all the ways that the Spirit works? Two years ago, I didn't know that on a very hot afternoon in El Paso seeds were being planted that would provide hope and inspiration in challenging times, but the Holy Spirit was at work . The Holy Spirit knew. The Holy Spirit works and weaves among us. The Spirit is the gift Jesus promised. Jesus said- “always”- I will