We often find ourselves limited by how much we can alter our environment. The Pastor Art persona sees this in worship. Some are putting that sweater around their shoulders while others are fanning themselves. Some like to chat with their neighbors – LOUDLY – while others cherish complete silence. Traffic delays: that’s a biggie! We know (hopefully) not to use that time to glance at our phone. Why not pray that frustration away? The environment, the situation may be beyond your control, but you ARE in control of your response, your perspective. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2).

 Peace and wellbeing are gifts from God. Thankfully, most of us CAN control the environment of that place we recline and lay our weary head. Home. I do like that we refer to JOY as our church home. Even in our own house, our spouse or parent may have something to say about the thermostat! We can change what we look at, what we listen to (or tune out), and to the extent you are comfortable, human touch. The handshakes and eye contact (back to church) during the sharing of the peace are also the gift of God’s unconditional love that changes everything.

Pastor Art