The Progressive Reverend

  Summer is suddenly upon us!  I have heard from many of you about your exciting summer plans.  I am just as glad as you are that summer has arrived. I look forward to going for a walk, having morning coffee on the deck, and enjoying evening fires with friends.  Many of our thoughts about summer come from our experience as students. Time is a significant commodity during the school year, with so many activities, sports, classes, and assignments competing for our time. However, in the summer, time becomes easy. Time is not won by labor but exists in surplus, and so it is far easier to waste time. We may also see Church and Church activities as similar to school and believe that we need a break from that during the summer. People stop attending church during the summer. Hopefully, you do not see your relationship with God as something that needs a break; it is only associated with work. Those of us who have always lived in a climate with four seasons know the joy and w...

 I once heard a phrase in seminary that has stuck in my mind like glue, "it is easier to sit with someone in their grief than in their joy." I have thought long and hard about this phrase. Certainly, as a community, we are always more than willing to reach out, support, and pray for those who are suffering, but what about those in our community who are celebrating success? The birth of a grandchild, a new job, acceptance into a program or a team, a financial win, a new house, a marriage, or even a birthday. Why do we not celebrate each other as a community more often? I realize it's easy to get caught up in life's busyness and forget to take a step back and celebrate each other's successes. Perhaps we don't want to brag or draw attention to ourselves or worry we might make someone feel bad.  However, God wants us to celebrate our successes.  We have all been blessed with unique gifts and talents. Whether it's the ability to offer wise counsel, a heart full...