Celebrate the journey

Stop worrying about the potholes in the road and
celebrate the journey! Barbara Hoffman

Don’t you find it interesting that Jesus chose to start his public ministry at a party?

On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” “Dear woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied, “My time has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, 9and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him. John 2:1-11

The Son of God invited to a party! He wasn’t just invited, the party got better because He was there. If you ask me, we as Christ-followers don’t celebrate enough. I am afraid over the last few decades people have come to know what we are against but not what we are for. Harsh, mean-spirited individuals make the headlines; those who are strong on the law but weak on grace. Let us invite people on a journey with Jesus. Let’s celebrate who is and what He did. He is the living Christ. When Jesus showed up, things changed…blind men could see, deaf people could hear, lame people walked, dead people lived. He celebrated the journey. Even though the cross was before Him, He did not live in dread or fear. His life was lived with confident assurance.

What a wonderful party we had Sunday evening. As we celebrated Erin’s baptism, the accomplishments of our graduates, and the God’s Stories among us I could sense the smile of God. Our children playing, riding in Mr. Tom’s wagon. The sharing of food, singing together under the beauty of a sunny day. My heart was full of thanksgiving that God allows me to celebrate the journey with this spiritual community. We are not perfect but I get the sense we are progressing toward Christ-likeness. We are learning to believe the best about each other, to respect differences and celebrate our diversity. God is working among us. Pray that you would have eyes to see and ears to hear what He is doing. Come to the party. God’s party. Celebrate the journey, His journey for you.  Don’t miss it by isolating yourself. If you do you mind end up having your own party,  a pity party!

If you can use anything Lord, use me. Let’s celebrate the joy of giving ourselves away for Jesus.

grace to you, bob

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