Tuesday Tidings May 26, 2026

Dearest Members of Bethlehem,

“Our life is not only a great deal of trouble and hard work; it is also refreshment and joy in God’s goodness. We labor, but God nourishes and sustains us. That is reason to celebrate.” -Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together       

I don’t know about you, but I am always looking for a reason to celebrate.

I greatly appreciate the insight from Bonhoeffer that appears above. Ever the realist, he acknowledges the truth; our lives involve ups and downs, and long stretches during which we’re working hard to sustain ourselves and families.

As we make our way through these days it’s easy to feel the weight of the work, to become tired and discouraged. It’s not out of the question that a kind of resignation settles in and in some cases maybe even some depression.

We make our way through the daily grind, navigate all the challenges and may even ask, is this all there is?

And I really do think that’s precisely the question that Bonhoeffer wanted us to ask. Because, as we peel away the layers of that question and take a deeper look at our shared experience, something more is exposed.

Driving the daily routine is our internal drive, an engine that allows us to power through. It’s easy to take that quietly inspiring force for granted, but it’s there, and it’s the very thing that is allowing us to persevere.

And powering that metaphorical engine, is a sacred and mysterious fuel. Somehow, someway, each and every day our tank is filled and we chug along. “We labor,” Bonhoeffer said, but he also rightly suggested that, “God nourishes and sustains us.”

The work we have been called to in any given season might be tiresome and difficult, we might not even be enthused about the work that has been placed before us… but, at the very least, by the grace of God, we have been given the wisdom and energy necessary to tend to the task at hand.

And, yes, that’s a profound gift for which we can give thanks; that’s a spiritual reality that we can rightly celebrate. Here’s to you, and to the Spirit that will provide all you need to make it through the weeks ahead.           

Question for reflection: How has God been sustaining you these days?

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Dan

Holy God, you are the great comforter; the One who offers strength and assurance amid our most difficult moments. May we be empowered to bless others with the consolation and encouragement we have received from you. In Christ’s name we pray, amen.