7-2-2025

Good Morning All,

  Psalm 84:5; “Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.”

     There is something about traveling that seems to split people into two groups.  The first group is the “get there” group and the second group is the “see there” group.  The first group see the travel as the means to the end.  The goal is to travel from point “A” to point “B” and that is it.  These people look for the shortest route, the quickest route, or the most expedited route for their travel.  For them, the journey is about the destination.

     The second group tends to travel at a less stressed pace.  While the first group will take the interstate or an airplane, the second group will take more secondary roads and stop more frequently. This group tends to stop often at the little roadside parks or monuments or the little mom and pop cafes in the smaller towns.  For these people, getting there is half of the fun.

    I have to admit I am a “group A” who wants to be a “group B.”  When I travel, it is usually for the express purpose of getting somewhere.  There is a meeting or event that I need to be at so the travel simply accomplishes this task.  Yet every so often, I like just to go and see “what’s what.”  Sometimes I like to travel just to see what is out there.

      In our faith life, we can be in either group.  We can be a “group A” person.  With heaven in our sights, we can focus on this and travel down the path without a nod to the left or right.  We can do this by going to church diligently, studying our Bible, praying and being faithful to the sacraments.  We can live this life, enjoy this life, and enter into heaven when God calls us home. Or we can be a “group B” person.  We have eternal life; that’s promised.  We have the journey ahead of us, laid out by God, for us to live.  So, live it!  Enjoy the path that God gives you.  See the people along the way and then interact with them.  When the youth were at the national gathering, it was fun to watch them interact with kids from around the nation.  For a while, they have new friends.  You should as well.  God gives to us the opportunity to enjoy life as he wants us to live. 

     Enjoy the trip.  Enjoy the time that God gives you and enjoy the journey that He guides you on.  This is part of God’s blessing for your life.  God wants you to enjoy life.  The devil and the world will try to make it uncomfortable or somewhat painful but we have God’s assurance that he is with us, protecting us from all the devil hurls at us.  You only have a short time here; enjoy it.  Enjoy your family, enjoy your friends, enjoy the wonders of God’s creation, enjoy the gifts that the Spirit brings into your life, reach out and touch the life of another person whom God has placed into your life.  Enjoy the pilgrimage; keep your strength in God.  Hold fast to the faith and never let go.  Through God’s grace, we have the blessings of this life to enjoy, whatever that means, God’s grace is there for his redeemed children.

Precious Lord, give us peace in our lives.  Give us the peace to see the blessings which you bestow upon us.  Show us the joyful moments and help us to see them as one of your gifts.  Be with those who feel no joy, heal their hearts with the assurance of your love.  In your wonderful name we pray.  Amen

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret