Mary Reigart 

It’s been a challenging year. Full of big decisions, uncharted waters, health concerns and family pain.

 

Wouldn’t it be easy if we all thought the same, loved more, had grace? I guess we wouldn’t need God as much.

 

I wonder on any given Sunday how many people in the sanctuary are in pain—silent, real, hard, scary, sad, gut-wrenching pain. Sometimes we might know a little from the prayer chain or our small group about some’s struggle, but I suspect most often we haven’t a clue.

 

If the Holy Spirit puts someone on your heart, check on that person, pray for that person, love that person, and don’t judge or pretend to understand.

 

I made a mistake this year (one? who am I kidding?!)—I allowed my issues to consume me and ignored someone going through something much worse. Jesus wants us to be there for each other.

 

And the fascinating thing is that often helping someone (even confidentially) can give the greatest blessing.

 

So, when in doubt, reach down deep, get out of yourself and call, send a note, drop by, invite someone for lunch or respect his or her “no” and pray. Just don’t ignore.

 

And please don’t forget our pastors and staff and their families—a little less judgement and a lot more love!!

 

Truly I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine you did for me. (Matthew 25:40)