I’m back!
Because of mailing times, however, I’m writing this before I leave for vacation, so… my head is spinning just a little bit.
Anticipating the future is, as I have said more than once, both a necessary activity and a nearly futile one. Investment analysts, economic forecasters, meteorologists, and those who seek fugitives all engage in it as their livelihood. What will the markets do? Will the storm track north or south? Where might this person go next? Nobody feels much surprise to find themselves mistaken. Part of anticipating the future is anticipating possibilities, not certainties.
Even forecasting possibilities, however, risks error. Just recently a computer glitch grounded airline flights for hours. Something similar could happen the day I plan to fly home. There might be a storm that forces a diversion, or a passenger who abruptly decides they won’t wear a seat belt and delays takeoff. So many possibilities… so.
I think I’m back!
There is one thing that I am confident that the future holds: the love of God. This is the love that shaped the universe. This is the love that guided the ancient people of Israel. This is the love that sent Jesus, led Jesus, and resurrected Jesus. This is the love that formed the Church for service (even if we, like our forebears serve imperfectly). This is the love that carries us through work, travel, rest, play, sorrow, and rejoicing.
I’m back, and I’m glad to be back. God is with us!
In peace,
Pastor Eric
Photo by Paul Bryant-Smith.
