Taking a seat on a mossy stump near the water, I soon discovered it was home to a community of ants. Finally, on a large, sun warmed rock in the middle of the brook, I was able to experience holy respite and worship in the midst of my wild surroundings... Soon you will be refreshed, seated securely and peacefully on the Rock (which is Christ), basking in the warmth of his goodness and grace.

When I first got out on my bike after a long, hard winter, instead of whizzing along, I was wheezing along, gasping for air. It was hard enough to get myself going, but my bike also seemed to wheeze along in a raspy, croaky, mechanical sort of way.

The deep sleep and cutting from heaven’s knife of the first Adam, foreshadowed the coming of the second Adam, Jesus Christ, and his deep sleep of death on the cross. It was then that he, in giving his life for us, was cut by a spear in his side. From Adam’s side he received his wife. From the wounded side of Christ, through the blood and water that flowed, we were redeemed, washed, cleansed, baptized, and formed to be his bride. In the light of this sacrifice of love, we see the mystery and glory of marriage. 

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:11-16). I guess the question is, “Are we distinctively known as genuine followers of Jesus who, like the Romanian Repenters, clearly shine the light of the power of the gospel?”

Being adopted, I’m doubly blessed with two wonderful, courageous mothers. Being married, I’m also blessed with a great mother-in-law, and with the most amazing mother of our children. I thank God for mothers and the wonderful gift that they can be to us. 

Prayerfully consider not waiting to be approached by others. As you sincerely do so, you will be blessed and enriched to discover in others a treasure trove of gifts and talents, common interests, new perspectives, insightful wisdom, and empathetic experiences. Loneliness, and perfunctory interactions dissipate, and symbiotic, mutual joy, hope, and strength in the body of Christ flourish.