It’s an ongoing story, actually. God’s story, with a chapter that is played out every morning in Swenson Hall, where church work blends with a recovery meeting. Many of you reading this are members, so you know the particulars.

You can picture it. On days like today, the fellowship area, or “big room” is pre-set for our monthly ladies luncheon. That means The AA Breakfast Club must crowd into our “Garden Room.” They don’t complain. It means I hear what’s being said in their meeting, because it’s closer to my office. I leave the door open.

Just now, as a prompt for what to write, I heard words of faith, eloquently expressed. Being in recovery means willing to be honest about your…stuff. Struggling to get through another day of sobriety. It reminds me, and hopefully you as well, of our depraved brokenness. The churched are not more righteous than the “nons”. The danger is being in the cruise control mode of driving our Christian vehicle. Thinking that we are on the right side, the good side of the road. It is only by trusting in God that we don’t slip into neutral or reverse. “Jesus, Take the Wheel” sings Carrie Underwood.

I cherish what I overhear from the Garden Room or the kitchen. It is genuine; it is sincere. It is a chapter in the story that is ours, continuing on toward the return of Jesus. The unconditional love is assured at all times and in all places. Give thanks, dear blog reader!

Pastor Art