INSPIRASUNS

Yesterday at work I was moving from task to task and was pretty much all over the campus. We have a new cleaning crew for the month so I was showing them what needed to be taken care of, our facilities manager is on vacation so I was attending to some tasks that he normally handles, we had a funeral yesterday afternoon as well. And…we’re still wrapping up end-of-year bookkeeping processes. Sooo…it was a tad busy, and just a little crazy.

Shortly after noon I heard the front door open and a voice call out, “Helloooo”. I made my way around the corner to almost run head-first into one of our parishioners, John. John and his wife are a lovely couple, they have this amazing family history that I love to hear about whenever he’s around. He did not disappoint yesterday, I learned even more. John had stopped in to deliver gifts and a letter to a few of us. 

You see, John wanted to share that since 1615 his family has always celebrated Old Christmas. I could go into a little bit of history, like the fact that his grandfather x 12 was one of the original colonists to settle here. Anyway, John was telling me about Old Christmas celebrations of the past that he has hosted. It was fascinating listening to the stories.

He then shared with me something special. You see John and his wife moved full time to their home here last year. Most all of their family resides in the Middle Atlantic states and they have few family and friends here. What he shared next made me smile, he reached out and touched my hand and simply said, “In a very real way, the church has become our family”.

I have to admit that I wasn’t familiar with the Old Christmas celebrations. If you don’t know about this tradition, I encourage you to read up on it. In short, Christmas Day has not always been celebrated on December 25th, it was originally celebrated on January 6th.

This morning I read the letter that John dropped off and was struck by how eloquent it was. The love that he shares in this letter, not only for his family, (old and new) but for Father, well is poured from the pages.

I continue to be awed by how Father brings His children together. How He his showing us connections, how He is showing us that we are all one, and we are one with Him.

Thanks for letting me share this little encounter yesterday. It has left me smiling even as I type this little blog this morning. Have a great day friends, and hey, go out and share a little bit about yourself with someone today. Father wants us to know each other, it’s the best way to be united as one with Him.

Romans 8:14
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.