A Journey of Love, Fellowship, and Perseverance
I love to travel. I consider it one of life’s great joys of the modern age. It doesn’t matter where I go, I find ways to embrace all that is around me, to learn from the places I visit, and to experience the excitement and tranquility that each location has to offer.
We all are on a journey. A journey that intersects with others and is filled with highs and lows. This is a journey we don’t traverse alone; God is our steadfast guide, an ever-dependable presence.
Isn’t it comforting to know that no matter what path we tread, no matter how winding or treacherous it may seem, God’s love never wavers? His love is like a lighthouse, cutting through the fog of uncertainty, illuminating our way, and guiding us safely home.
But we’re not just passengers on this voyage. Just as God showers us with love, we’re called upon to mirror that love in our interactions with others, to “love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12). It’s in our power to encourage those who, like us, are on this journey. To lend a listening ear, offer a comforting word, and share in their joys and sorrow. It’s through this fellowship that we find strength, a testament to the power of communal love.
In our walk with God, we must also cultivate the virtue of perseverance. The journey is long, filled with obstacles, and it’s easy to grow weary or disheartened. But remember, God is our dependable companion, comforting us in times of distress, and filling us with the spirit of resilience. As we persevere, we gain a deeper understanding of God’s love, and we grow in our faith. For four decades, Trinity has been that beacon in our community and has emerged stronger than ever!
So, as we gather in our welcoming church, remember this: we are united in love, bound by fellowship, and inspired by perseverance. Together, we discover the joy of being God’s beloved. Let us continue to encourage one another, for together, we make this journey more meaningful.
-Pastor Shannon
P.S. – Congratulations to Lynda McLean who was the first person to email me her favorite character from It’s a Wonderful Life (Mary). Thanks for reading to the end!! You are amazing!!