It happens every year and yet, somehow, the first snowfall of each year still seems to catch us by surprise. Now where did I put those snow shovels?!?! Many of God’s creatures can’t afford to be caught unprepared. They need to have their winter home ready well before those first flakes fall.
Each of us do our best to ensure that we have a warm, safe place to live even though far too many people still don’t. But it’s not enough to simply ensure that our physical selves are safe. Our emotional and spiritual selves also have needs that, if not met, can lead to illness. We pray that our church is an emotional and spiritual safe place but once a week is not enough. Those needs persist throughout our lives.
Jesus encouraged and showed us how to find time and space for our emotional and spiritual health. There are at least six mentions of Jesus taking time for spiritual renewal in scripture like Luke 5:16: “Meanwhile, [Jesus] would slip away to deserted places and pray.” The abundant life that Jesus wants for us includes physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Please take time this week to find and make safe spaces for yourself and others.
Rev. Paul Whynacht
