Blessings and peace, my siblings in Christ,

Seeing you all on Sunday filled my heart with joy! I cannot tell you how amazing it is to come home to such a loving and caring congregation. This was my first time to have a “sabbatical” from both jobs, and while I very much love what I do for a living, I’ve come home with a new perspective on life, work, and the connection between the two.

Like many of you, I come from a generation that defines itself by what it does. We find our worth in what we do instead of who we are. That leaves very little room for exploring and enjoying anything unrelated to work. Being on sabbatical gave me a different perspective. I feel more present in what is happening now and less pressured to worry about what work needs to be done next. I hope to hold onto this presence and remember that the work is just the work—it will always be there.

This brings to mind Max’s sermon yesterday. The scripture in Acts describes the apostles as “staring off into the clouds.” The church is at high risk of doing the same—looking up, waiting for Jesus to return—when all around us, Jesus is active in the presence of the Holy Spirit. God has never left us, but we often take this story so literally that we imagine God is somewhere else, looking down on us. If you find yourself feeling that way, stop and breathe in the Holy Spirit. You will feel the power and presence of God immediately.

Also—a quick note of care: the temperatures have quickly risen, and the humidity is high enough that any time spent outdoors can put you at risk for heat exhaustion or dehydration. Try to plan your outdoor activities for early morning or late evening—and be ready to battle the mosquitoes! Please take care of yourselves as we enter another hot Texas summer.

Blessings and peace, always,

Mary