BALANCE:
We all understand the need for equilibrium
Even a little bit can cause problems –
House,
instability
Tools and resources to reduce that
So what does that look like for our faith?
We get what the “experts” communicate about having a balanced life…
• Meaningful relationships
• Sufficient resources
• Physical and Emotional Health
• Contributing member of society
We also know that’s an ideal – always in flux
Balance board – half a ball –
In ideal circumstances – balanced.
But that takes work, and practice – and compromise,.
Real world sometimes catches us unawares, takes us off-balance:
Something small like a bad night’s sleep or a flat tire
Something larger like a change in health or employment
Something huge – entirely out of our control - like natural disasters or economic changes: inflation and recession are quite destabilising!
The reality of balance is that it is an ideal:
The reality of life is that balance isn’t always attainable.
Often, there’s something causing us to wobble a bit, in one way or another.
And in the Gospel today:
That’s where Jesus finds us.
On our level.
Earthly, uncertain, some grieving, some ailing, some struggling.
Providing the comfort our hearts need:
It’s okay to be where we are – because this life is temporary
It’s okay to be imperfect – because God loves us as we are.
It’s okay to be
Responding with blessings.
Not celebrating the unfortunate moments of this life:
But promising they are limited to this life.
And inspiring that they can be alleviated by community.
The hungry are fed; the lonely are welcomed; the mourning are comforted.
Within the community – balance is easier – because each provides support for each other.
Kids – lean on each other
We lean on each other too.
And we are blessed.
Blessed are the poor:
Not in their poverty, but in the promise of the kingdom.
And the reality of those who strive for the kingdom now.
Blessed are the hungry
Not in their need, but as more than their need -
And in the community that shares its resources
Blessed are those who weep
Not in their sadness, but in the love that they have had
And in the memories that will carry them forward.
Blessed are the persecuted:
Not in their dehumanisation, but in their faith
And in their experience to lead and strengthen the family of God
Blessed are we:
When we focus on seeking the balance that Christ seeks.
Not with the WOE list – for those who think they don’t need anyone else.
But we who know we need one another – thrive, flourish, grow –
Because God has brought us together.
Blessed are we for the balance we have:
Of gift – and opportunity
Of sorrow – and of sharing comfort
Of joy – and of living in grace
Blessed are we when we can look back at the past year – which we’ll do in the AGM –
And look forward to the future – with all the potential laid out before us
And delight in the present: at the level of the people of God: as the people of God, as the family that loves and serves the whole church of God.
We all understand the need for equilibrium
Even a little bit can cause problems –
House,
instability
Tools and resources to reduce that
So what does that look like for our faith?
We get what the “experts” communicate about having a balanced life…
• Meaningful relationships
• Sufficient resources
• Physical and Emotional Health
• Contributing member of society
We also know that’s an ideal – always in flux
Balance board – half a ball –
In ideal circumstances – balanced.
But that takes work, and practice – and compromise,.
Real world sometimes catches us unawares, takes us off-balance:
Something small like a bad night’s sleep or a flat tire
Something larger like a change in health or employment
Something huge – entirely out of our control - like natural disasters or economic changes: inflation and recession are quite destabilising!
The reality of balance is that it is an ideal:
The reality of life is that balance isn’t always attainable.
Often, there’s something causing us to wobble a bit, in one way or another.
And in the Gospel today:
That’s where Jesus finds us.
On our level.
Earthly, uncertain, some grieving, some ailing, some struggling.
Providing the comfort our hearts need:
It’s okay to be where we are – because this life is temporary
It’s okay to be imperfect – because God loves us as we are.
It’s okay to be
Responding with blessings.
Not celebrating the unfortunate moments of this life:
But promising they are limited to this life.
And inspiring that they can be alleviated by community.
The hungry are fed; the lonely are welcomed; the mourning are comforted.
Within the community – balance is easier – because each provides support for each other.
Kids – lean on each other
We lean on each other too.
And we are blessed.
Blessed are the poor:
Not in their poverty, but in the promise of the kingdom.
And the reality of those who strive for the kingdom now.
Blessed are the hungry
Not in their need, but as more than their need -
And in the community that shares its resources
Blessed are those who weep
Not in their sadness, but in the love that they have had
And in the memories that will carry them forward.
Blessed are the persecuted:
Not in their dehumanisation, but in their faith
And in their experience to lead and strengthen the family of God
Blessed are we:
When we focus on seeking the balance that Christ seeks.
Not with the WOE list – for those who think they don’t need anyone else.
But we who know we need one another – thrive, flourish, grow –
Because God has brought us together.
Blessed are we for the balance we have:
Of gift – and opportunity
Of sorrow – and of sharing comfort
Of joy – and of living in grace
Blessed are we when we can look back at the past year – which we’ll do in the AGM –
And look forward to the future – with all the potential laid out before us
And delight in the present: at the level of the people of God: as the people of God, as the family that loves and serves the whole church of God.
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