Distractions

Distractions!!!!!!!!

Was it sad news from a dear friend about a family health crisis? The heaviness that comes to me mid April as I recall sad anniversaries on the 19th?

Was it the personal stresses that came into my life--the kind that blindside you, moving you to complete panic? Which one was it that knocked me over for the past week and turned my FEAST into a FAST?

My general mode in life has been FAST rather than FEAST. I often race through life, looking to the next finish line, anticipating and planning--hoping I can move FAST enough to get one more thing done before the week, month, or year is up. Eat quick! There isn't much time! When work, or emotional stress knock at my door, I FAST even more...little time for scripture, prayer, time to stop and BREATHE....Instead of FEAST, it's FAST. PLAN. PANIC.

I recognize that instead of FASTING from scripture and communion during these challenging times, I need the FEAST even more. Instead of thinking there is not time to FEAST, I need to acknowledge there isn't time NOT to FEAST.

One thing I love about the Lutheran faith is our focus on grace. We acknowledge that no work or action of our own will bring us salvation. Only God's grace, received in faith can save us. So, I start the feast again, knowing it is only by the grace of God that I am freed from my fast.

Thank you to Marty, who, in the midst of life, reminded me "be still and know" and encouraged me to stop FASTING, slow down, and start FEASTING again.

Thanks be to God, for Giving Us Day Our Daily Bread. Even when we don't stop to taste it.

Pastor Tracy