The dog needed to go out this morning…. in a hurry.  He was awake when I woke up and let me know immediately that there was an urgent need.  Yesterday, I had to wake him and he seemed disoriented and could not find his way into the house without help and bumped into the wall coming in.  Today, he ran in and hopped around as if he was a puppy.  He scarfed down his treat and settled in on the couch  for more sleep.  Each day is different.  Yesterday, lethargic, today, bright and happy.  I guess dogs are just like us.  Each day is new and different.  Some days we do not function as well as others.  Some days seem brighter and full of color when others seem gray and dull.  There is a constant in them all.  Our little dog, lethargic or energetic, always wants to snuggle up to us.  He enjoys physical contact with us.  In life, God always wants to be close, in contact with us.  For us Lutherans, communion is a physical contact with God and all the saints.  For all Christians, prayer is contact with God.  Sometimes when I pray it is as if God is right there with  an arm on my shoulder, encouraging, directing, caring for me.  I love those times.  Yet even when I do not feel that, I know God is there.  Each new day, stay in touch with God through prayer, through Scripture and through connection with other believers who might give you God’s touch in a hug, a look, a word, a hand on your shoulder.  Then, return the favor.  God is present through you too!  Read Matthew 5:14-16 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Pastor Ed