Package from Pearl - May 8

Today’s Readings:  AM Psalms 40, 54; PM Psalm 51; Exod. 34:18-35; 1 Thess. 3:1-13; Matt. 5:27-37

I got a package in the mail from a dear friend the other week. Along with a box of my favorite Andes mints, Pearl relayed a message of Easter joy and love. She said we were in her prayers. In a great display of humor, she said that with the extra time at home, surely our house would be organized and spotless. (She knows of the non-adult inhabitants: two kids and two large dogs, all who track in dirt and chaos daily.) I laughed out loud, stepped over a remote-controlled truck, and unwrapped a candy. How I needed her gift of prayer, care, and encouragement in that moment – plus the chocolate!

In today’s Epistle reading, Paul writes to his friends in the Christian community in northern Greece: “How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you?” Paul and his friends had been separated from their Thessalonian brothers and sisters in Christ for quite some time, and they could not get back to visit. The Thessalonians had experienced resistance and persecution in being church together. There had been hard days, and more strenuous times were ahead. The apostle Paul sent them beautiful words of prayer, care, and encouragement – plus his friend Timothy to check on them…all reminders of abiding God’s love.

The gifts of prayer, care, and encouragement helped sustain the early church in trying times, and these same reminders of God’s love can help us today, until we can meet again face to face. Let’s continue to support one another, as God continues to abide with us.

-- Katherine+

Questions for Reflection

  • What words of encouragement keep you going?

  • Who has brought you joy lately?

Daily Challenge

Send a note of encouragement to someone who brings you great joy.

Katherine Harper