May 28, 2026

Has there ever been a time in your life in which things snuck up on you? How often do we know something (event, birthday, meeting, trip, etc.) is on the horizon and then suddenly it is right in front of us. This morning, I was very relaxed after my morning exercise, walking and getting ready for the day. There was about an hour before I needed to leave for church. I walked into my garden and harvested some arugula and started pulling a few weeds. The ground was still moist from the rain, and the weeds came up so easily. I could have continued pulling the weeds; however, I knew there were other tasks to complete. I stopped and noticed the raspberries growing and one very small strawberry. Making my way back inside, I went to my computer to complete a task I have been putting off. It took longer than I anticipated.

Then suddenly, I noticed it was past the time I had intended to leave for church. After all, I had a 10:00 a.m. Care and Comfort Team meeting. There was traffic that slowed my progress. Arriving ten minutes before the meeting, I was able to get set up in time. As folks came in, I was alerted that the meeting was not on the calendar. Funny thing is, I was proud of putting it on the church calendar, only to realize it was my church calendar not the master church calendar. As we set the next meeting, I was intentional in adding it to the master church calendar.

Communication is crucial and so is making space and time for the things that need to be accomplished. Initially, I had offered to host watching the Oregon Synod Assembly worship service at church on Saturday. With low response that folks would be coming to church to watch the service together and allowing more time to set up for a memorial service that afternoon, I have cancelled watching the service at church. I strongly encourage you to make the time to attend/watch it online in the comfort of your own home. See the e-news for an invitation from Bishop Laurie.

When we make space for the unexpected aspects of life to happen, we are better able to approach the snafus and kerfuffle’s that inevitably happen upon our day. We are not called to perfection. We are called to community and collaboration, which is seasoned with a whole lot of grace and kindness. As Paul finishes his second letter to the church in Corinth, he reminds them/us. “11Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Put things in order, listen to my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 12Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. 13The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.” (2 Corinthians 13:11-13).