A weekly reflection from a member of the Hastings clergy

Written by Pastor Paris Pasch of The Journey Church in Hastings

I have wondered many things in my life. I wonder if my motorcycle in storage will start this spring. I wonder how long the fear of this pandemic will last? I wonder how many masks must I own? I wonder how many more days of rain we will have? I wonder if our nation will ever move toward civility between its citizens?

Since I became a Christian in 1978 at age 23, I have begun the long journey of having some of my wonders revealed. I used to wonder where I came from. I don’t mean the birds and the bees, but rather why was I here and how did it take place? When I became a Christian I learned that a loving creator, determined to make mankind in such a way as to have fellowship together with Him. He longed for us to connect and relate to each other in a personal, kind and generous way. God made love and showed love by allowing us to freely determine if we wanted to accept His love offered.

Psalm 139:14 (NIV) I praise you (God) because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

This reminds me of our children. When they are little, they long to be loved and are eager to accept our love as their parents. We don’t force the issue or demand a positive response, instead we give our love freely and hope that they return to get and give more. Sadly, in some cases, our children struggle to believe we love them. They might rebel and then avoid coming back toward us for a time. They demand their own rights and privileges as they disregard all of the history of love they received growing up.

Maybe there is some reality of this in your life. It’s never too late to forgive or be forgiven but you will have to step back into the relationship for it to happen. Speak with humility and leave judgement behind. Accept some responsibility and be quick to pour out mercy. May God give you courage.

[email protected]

Do You Ever Wonder?