Tuesday Tidings, April 28, 2026

Dearest Members of Bethlehem,

“You feel hedged in; you dream of escape; but beware of mirages.  Do not run or fly away in order to get free: rather dig in the narrow place which has been given you; you will find God there and everything.  God does not float on your horizon, he sleeps in your substance.  Vanity runs, love digs.” -Gabriel Marcel

As we come to the end of April we are on the very precipice of the summer months; a time of vacations and get aways.

Some have had their plans for months; others are just realizing they might need to make some reservations; and still others will be completely content with a “staycation,” a change of pace, a few days of peace and quiet at home.

I sincerely hope and pray that if a season of sabbath presents itself you have the opportunity to savor that time and be truly renewed.

Now, having said that, there is a restlessness within our spirits that a weekend getaway will not address.  This of course, is a spiritual consideration.

We have often heard the phrase, “the grass is always greener…”. When we hear those words, we often laugh them off.  But there are lots of folks out there that are wrestling with being settled.  There are many of us who live in a comfortable place, in a lovely neighborhood, but have never really felt entirely, “at home.”

If you have, or are currently feeling this way, you’ll receive no criticism from me.  In fact, I am convicted that such feelings are completely natural.  Natural, because we’re destined for a far distant eternal shore, and we are bound to feel that pull.

And yet, as the quote above suggests, such a sacred pull shouldn’t drive us to distraction.  Instead, we are blessed when we recognize the grandeur and expansiveness of our God in the present moment, in our current location.

“God does not float on the horizon,” the power and energy of the Divine is reverberating in the very ground upon which we stand, it is coursing through the essence of our spirits.

If you need to chase adventure, more power to you, please be careful!  But you never need to chase after God.  The peace that passes all understanding is ever-present and perennially available.  Life’s circumstances change, God’s accompaniment is constant.                 

Question for reflection: When and where are you most at peace?

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Dan

Gracious Lord, there are moments when we feel as if we have utterly failed to be faithful to you, remind us that your grace is sufficient, and that despite our failings, you will always remain faithful.  In that truth, is both our hope and our peace.  In Christ’s name we pray, amen.