The Good News Is...

On Tuesday my sister and I took a bluebonnet road trip, however, 650 miles later (average Texas road trip don't ya know) we had not even take one photo! It's not the best of years for bluebonnets. We even made an effort to go by the LBJ ranch near Johnson City. Lady Bird was famous for her promotion of wild flowers, but there was nary a bluebonnet on the ranch! We saw more bluebonnets in the 30 mile stretch between Austin and Bastrop than we did on the 250 mile stretch down 281 through Burnet, Marble Falls, etc. But still, we never found the fields of color that we had traveled so far to see.

My sister and I travel well together. We have the same temperature comfort level, the same bladder control, the same appreciation for silence, the same preference for country roads, and we both have the same habit of sharing good news. "The good news is that we started in the west, so we won't be driving into the sun." "The good news is that we found the cheapest gas in the state." "The good news is that we didn't have to work today." "The good news is that next time we'll know to start on the east side of 35." "The good news is that the construction on 71 was done before we had to come through." "The good news is that...."

My prayer for the congregation?

Dear God, require us to share the Good News! Help us set aside the personal proclamations of our conveniences and instead direct our focus towards your majesty and declare that you are Lord. Especially in those desperate times when the situation might seem more likely to produce despair and anger. Gracious God, help us to remember that you have not left our side, and that it is not your desire to let frustration, bitterness, and fear take hold of our lives. Instead you have the power to turn something good from a bleak situation and restore hope. We may not see the transformation immediately, but as we steady ourselves, pause and look back, make us aware of the strands of your works that reveal a new foundation, one that is stronger and surer than before. Give us the voices to proclaim, "The Good News is that God cares deeply for you. Know that you are loved!" Amen