Sometimes we forget...

An article that will appear in the El Dorado Springs Sun,
Thursday September 24, 2009
Barbara J. Minton, First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Sometimes we forget we are spiritual beings, made in the image of God. Sometimes we forget we are created for relationship with God and one another. Sometimes we ignore this spiritual urge to be connected because we live in a nation that values “rugged individualism.” But we know this yearning for connection is very real.

We desire to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. We long to be accepted for who we are. We want to be loved even when we are unlovable. These feelings come from the depth of our being and are built into each one of us by our Creator because we are spiritual beings, made in the image of God created for relationship. When we ignore the longings of our soul, our spiritual journey lacks direction and conviction and depth because we are walking alone.

Where can one find this life-giving connection in Cedar County? Jesus looked at the people of his day and had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd, harassed and helpless, stressed by life’s burdens, not knowing where to turn. Isn’t Jesus describing our community? After Jesus looked at the crowd he turned to his followers and simply said, “What a huge harvest! How few workers! On your knees and pray for harvest hands!” Brothers and sisters in Christ, we have our marching orders, spoken by the Lord himself. [Matthew 9:36-37 from The Message]