Times like these

Good late morning everyone,
Our cups runneth over… I don’t believe it is the same cup referred to in Psalm 23, as in “thou anointest my head with oil, my cup over flows.” We are holding a cup of bitter brew. It is the cup of trial, pain, and hurt. It is the cup Jesus refers to when he asks the two over-aspiring disciples, James and John, when they ask to sit at Jesus’ right and left hand in his coming kingdom. “Are you able to drink from the cup I drink from?” answers Jesus, referring to his impending trial and execution.
These days reveal the wisdom of the Apostle Paul (Romans 5): “…suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint because God’s love has been poured into our hearts…” OK. So, God’s love is on the way. But right now the way is rocky, pot-holed, and deceiving.
Brothers and sisters, this will not last. Let’s keep our heads up and eyes forward. Heather posted a quote from a unique, creative, non-conventional thinker named Clarissa Pinkola Estes; “There will always be times in the midst of ‘success right around the corner but as yet unseen’ when you feel discouraged. I, too, have felt despair many times in my life, but I do not keep a chair for it; I will not entertain it. It is not allowed to eat from my plate.”
“We hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with endurance.” (Romans 8:25) Keep on keepin’ on, people! Stay the course.
Grace, peace, and love to all,
Pastor Michael (with a big assist from Heather)