Early Sunday Morning

Woke up at about 530 this morning and felt restless enough that I showered, dressed, and headed to the livingroom so Carolyn could keep sleeping peacefully. Now that I am not preaching every Sunday, I don't have to get up early but my body and brain still think I need to get up and get going. For years, I rose at 4am every Sunday in order to head out to a good breakfast joint for bacon and eggs, toast and coffee, and some final sermonizing. After eating and meditating at the restaurant for a couple of hours I would head to the office and continue preparations for the morning message.

I really enjoyed preaching and still do when I have the opportunity every 4 or 5 weeks. Last week I spoke to our fellowship over facebook. It is very different speaking to your iPad screen where the only person looking back at you is you. There is a temptation to narcissism - gazing at your own face for 40 or 50 minutes.

Here I am, early on a Sunday morning with nowhere to go and nothing I have to do. So you get to be my audience. And I really have little to say except that I am very grateful to have the family and friends that are part of my life. Some of you I have known since childhood. Memories of long summer days on the beach at Beulah, or rather in the water, bring back some great memories of those friendships forged in the heat of summer and the heart of The Reformed Baptist Alliance of Canada. Then, the Bethany days where Carolyn and I got friendly enough that marriage seemed like a good idea. And that was almost 44 years ago now. Our 12 years spent at Faith and Hope Wesleyan Churches on the South Shore of Nova Scotia were full of wonderful, rich relationships that still warm my heart. Just this morning I had a Messenger text from one of you. And now, after almost 32 years here in Grand Bay-Westfield, I am completely blown away by the wide range of friends that have become a part of my life.

These friendships are everything. You are such an integral part of my life. Covid-19 has cut us off temporarily from face to face meetings and I can hardly wait for this to be over. Not sure what it will be like the first time I get to hug someone or just sit across a table from them over  cup of coffee. So, here is my Early Sunday Morning prayer...

"Father, thank you for the many friends I have been privileged to know over the course of my lifetime. Keep them safe and well during this pandemic. Grant us warm-hearted reunions when it is appropriate again. Help us to know how to love well during this time. Keep us from fear and anxiety. Thank you for Your Promises to provide for us and care for us. Help us to be strong in our faith in You. And draw us nearer to Your Heart so that we do not become consumed with stuff that does not really matter. Deepen our love for You and for each other. In Jesus's Name I pray. Amen!"