Most of you have probably heard of 4H clubs. Carl and I went to a horseshow this past weekend to watch our granddaughter. It was put on by 4H, and the environment and ambiance of the day made me stop and think. We witnessed genuine attitudes of kindness and caring, lots of encouragement, and a camaraderie that isn’t always evident in competition. Our daughter shared that there is a true community spirit and a welcoming attitude. Everyone in the club wants the best for each other – they have each other’s backs. Kind of makes you think…hmmm…isn’t this what Christian community should look like when others view it from the outside or walk into a church? Indeed, all those traits and with Christ in the center – WOW! So, what if the Church was the 5H club?

It’s Lent - a season where our thoughts and attention turn to repentance, confession, sin, and the cross as we journey to Good Friday and then on to Easter. A few weeks ago, our small group spoke briefly of sin and children, which sparked some reflection in me and I hope these stories might provoke some thoughts in you as well. Are we born sinners? Ahhh…some ask, how can an innocent baby be born a sinner? Here are a few stories from my past, that will let you know I have been a sinner all my life, even before I knew cognitively what sin was! I may not have known it at the time, but oh my goodness….

Have you ever looked down at your gas gauge and thought, Uh oh! The orange light is on and looks like the tank is on Empty! Moving along on fumes to get the gas station usually works, but there was one time (that I will admit) when Carl and I did indeed run out of gas and had to walk home. Granted, it was just about a mile walk, but when you’re wearing heels and it’s a hot Florida summer night, that can be a long walk! An empty gas tank is an easy “empty” to fix – go get the gas can, fill the tank, and you are back in business. Personal emptiness is so much more difficult than an empty gas tank.

Scripture says that in heaven there will be no more weeping and sorrow or crying or tears…. that is our destiny, our eternal HOME, but what about as we journey on this earth? We are "walking each other home on this earthly journey toward Heaven" but what is home here on earth…what does HOME look like in the meantime? Where and how do we share our tears and our sorrows (along with the joys) while we are here?

The lights are up, the sparkly ads are on TV, the Christmas carols are playing. YES! The holiday season is here! The Most Wonderful Time of Year, Jingle Bells and Oh What Fun, Holly Jolly Christmas, and you know so many songs that tout the happiness of the season and the lightness and brightness of it all… When I was about 10 years old, my mom took me to the eye doctor. I thought it was a waste of her time, energy, and money, all of which were hard to come by with a husband, 7 children and a full-time job. My sight was fine, or so I thought! Well, if you have known me for any time at all, you know I wear glasses, and have since that day! And, to my surprise, with glasses and the prescription lenses, everything was sharper, crisper, clearer and I could see so much further! My world expanded into one I had not ever known!

Carl and I were at the Orlando Airport ready to board our plane for our adventure to the Grand Canyon. It was bustling, people everywhere all around, standing, some sitting on the floor and all eager to get going! There was a dad, 2 moms and 2 toddlers next to us, and it was quite a scene! The adults were all glued to their phones, while the children were running around out of control, trying to open the emergency doors at our gate, climbing into the baggage carts, and screaming – parents didn’t seem to notice or care. Lucky the kids were still around when it was time to board! Then, the announcement came…Flight to Chicago is delayed due to weather. UGH! Three hours later we took off, and I thought: 1. Please may I NOT be sitting by this family on the plane, and, 2. If this is a preview of how our trip is going to go, perhaps we should go home now! Well, glad we kept on going! We had a great trip to the Grand Canyon via Chicago, then on to Amtrak, and our destination was the Grand Canyon – 32 hours on the train! Along with stunning scenery, we met some interesting folk, who each gave us a gift in sharing a story; allowing us a glimpse of God at work in His children. Here are just a few of the stories we heard last week…

Admit it....sometimes we see something, make an assessment, and judge... in a few seconds...sometimes harshly. I know I do it, subconsciously and sometimes blatantly outright. You know what I mean–like, when I was a teenager and saw a really hot guy. I automatically assumed he was probably very cool in every other way as well; I would size up someone based on what I could see on the outside. I also believed others would decide what they thought of me by my clothes, whether I was fat, or even by my hair. As an adult, perhaps by my car, my home, my job, my family, my education...still my hair! You can put anything in here....I know you must have at least one thing you have judged people on, or feel you have been sized up by. Well, there is a time still sharp in my mind when I made some judgments and so many assumptions, and boy, did God get me!

When you think about hospitality, what comes to mind? Perhaps a fine hotel, or going to see a wonderful friend, or perhaps family, or maybe going to a friend’s house for dinner… What Is Hospitality? When I think about it, a word that comes to mind is belonging, and I want to share how I see these as intertwined, share a few stories, and hopefully spark something in you as we move forward from this COVID season. This past year we have all experienced the loss of community, and we have realized the importance of connection and relationships. Where does this leave us as we move through 2021?