I sit in a Florida villa while my wife is with our oldest daughter who is giving birth to our seventh grandchild. I think of the transitions of life that are a consistent part of our existence under the sun. Several in our fellowship are welcoming children into expanding families, while others are retiring from long-held careers. Seasons come and go. Through them we are reminded of the realities of life's movement - changes and challenges, undertakings and uncertainties. We desire novelty and crave permanence. Though we can reason and imagine what is infinite, we are always brought back to the reality of our finiteness - we are limited, dependent creatures. There is something much greater than ourselves and we want to be connected to it. We have longings that were intended to be satisfied. Nothing brings us into focus on the identity of our highest Good and our deepest Satisfaction as much as the sweet fellowship of God's family communing with Him - to hear from Him and to make much of Him. Our Father's perspective, our higher purpose, our identity in Christ, His steadfast love, His boundless grace, His infinite goodness - all of this and more comes into focus as we gather to meet Him. This past Sunday was like a family reunion and a taste of heaven!
I am reminded of our Lord's statement that all will know we are His followers by our love for each other. Now in 2021 may we move out with our faith and be a blessing to the community by presenting something not available, or like it, anywhere else - the corporate delight in God!
Off to see our new grandson!
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