Potential

Potential is one of those words that can create different emotions depending on the context. When you say that you see great potential in a person, in a house, or an opportunity - you are filled with hope and anticipation of the possibility of greatness! But when you say that someone is not living up to their potential, there is such sadness at the loss of a missed opportunity, a missed occasion to witness something of significance. Potential energy is the stored energy of an object. Stored... As often as I clean closets (and I have some deep, packed closets), it could be awhile before I can unpack my storage.

My prayer for the congregation?

O God, help us to live up to our potential as individuals and as a congregation! There is only sadness and regrets when we miss opportunities to be useful, to provide a meal, to be your hands. Help us to live remembering your expectations for our lives. Dear God, with your promises and grace, we can live as a people filled with hope for our potential and delight in being a part of something greater than ourselves. Help us to focus on opportunities at hand, and learn from opportunities missed. Help us to keep our potential in the open, at the ready, so that we are equipped to spring into action. Amen.