Reformation Lutheran Church

19 hours ago

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Some times it is too easy for us to feel alone or disconnected in the world. I’m not immune from this experience. In fact, last Thursday driving to the Poconos, while feeling the solitude of the moment and feeling alone in the world, I started to talk out loud to God. I was stunned by the felt message, “Be quiet and listen.” So, I worked to quiet my mind and pay attention. I had stopped on the way to get a snack pack made up of apple slices, cheese and nuts. As I enjoyed an apple slice I began to ponder the question, “How many people did it take to get this apple in my hand. My mind went to farmers, laborers, food preparation and packagers, the truck driver, delivery person and finally the person who put the snack tray out for purchase. My mind’s attention shifted to all the people required to build and maintain the road upon which I was driving. Suddenly, I saw a long chain of people involved in producing the raw materials, designing and constructing, selling and maintaining the car I was driving. This went on for some time, a kind of reflective musing that ended with, “See!” “Yes,” I said, “I get it, I’m not alone.”

Our daily lives are made possible and supported by a huge network of people whose hands and minds work to make a life possible for each of us. If this network fails, we are all equally in trouble. This is Labor Day weekend. It is a time to reflect on the contribution of all those who labor in service of a safe, stable and predictable community in which to live. And we all are, or have been a part of out national labor force, working outside or inside the home, making a living and providing a living for others. When you start to add them up, the number of people supporting us a very large number. Let’s be grateful. Let’s give thanks. Let’s remember we are not alone in life.

Pastor Greg Stoddard ... See MoreSee Less