As summer draws to a close, I look back in gratitude for the experiences of the past few months, and I look forward to the coming season of return to high school ministry and all of the energy and personal investment that brings.
Summer is a season of abundant harvest and enjoying the fruits of the land. I hope that we all have experienced abundance and blessings of some sort this summer, even in challenging times.
I experienced the Lord’s presence this summer in ministry to the faith community on Cuttyhunk island, MA, leading the weekend services, and staying on for a few days to enjoy the island and the ocean. My annual retreat in Gloucester, MA, was a blessed time in a place where God’s presence seems especially close. A visit to the Jersey shore afforded me the opportunity for rest, as well as a visit to friends living there. I have much to be grateful for.
Gratitude is a theme of St. Paul’s ministry as well. He is particularly grateful for the people he has shared his ministry with and for the people he has shared fellowship with. Ministry and fellowship are good companions. May we always be grateful for the significant people in our life, whom we support and are supported by. This is part of the hundredfold promised to those who love the Lord.
“I give thanks to my God always on your account for the grace of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus…” (I Corinthians 1:4)
The images in this post are from Cuttyhunk, MA.
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Thank you, father, for blessing us with these incredible photos. It has been a challenging summer for us, ending with us living in a homeless shelter and trying desperately to find a place for my three special needs kids and me. The market is so awful right now and the poor are without their basic needs being met. Please pray for us, father!
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Sorry to hear of your difficulties, Rita. Blessings on you and your family. Take strength from the Lord’s presence in your life.
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