The world will break your heart ten ways to Sunday. That’s guaranteed. I can’t begin to explain that. Or the craziness inside myself and everyone else. But guess what? Sunday’s my favorite day again. I think of what everyone did for me, and I feel like a very lucky guy.
— Matthew Quick, Silver Linings Playbook
Sunday IS my favorite day.
First, it’s church day.
It’s also a day when our whole family is home together cozy.
In the Fall – the very bestest season – it’s Saints football day.
It’s just the best. ❤
And, while I’m missing my church family something fierce, our virtual service today was just beautiful – and I wanted to just share a few simple thoughts in a quick second post of the day.
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Last week was an awful news week from the “church world” as I’m sure you all know, with ugly politics and nasty scandals.
Let me say that I am not an evangelical myself.
Rather I am a confirmed Episcopalian – having been sponsored by my bestie’s mother (and my adopted second mother), Marie, back in 2001 ❤ , and having baptized all of my children in the Episcopal church – and I am now a joyful member of the most amazing reconciling United Methodist congregation.
Both have my heart.
All that said, such awful news is still troubling and reflects poorly on the church as a whole.
Add to that a horrible big picture news week and having been sick and I just NEEDED church today – virtually or otherwise.
Our wonderful church has done everything it can to make virtual church as “home-y” as possible, including this:
I love it so.
Our wonderful minister, Stephanie, preached a great sermon on comparison.
What I wanted most to share from her sermon – and I’m going to link the service below as well for anyone who would like to watch it – are these simple yet beautiful thoughts I think everyone needs to be reminded of:
You are a beloved child of God.
You were made in His image, called very good from the beginning.
You were created by love, in love, and for love.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=804678743606066&extid=RJId4RTkhujpAJu7
Such lovely reminders we all need, especially now. ❤
Finally, I’ll just leave you with my favorite version of the Lord’s Prayer, from the Message:
Our Father in Heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right,
Do what’s best–
As above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You can do anything you want.
You are ablaze in beauty.
Amen.
Be well, everybody. Take care of yourselves and each other. Happy Sunday.
Grace and Blessings.