One opening is often all it takes for the Spirit to invade. Sometimes it hurts. In every case, it aims to heal.

If we understood that we only have one night – this one short life – to share faith’s treasures, to increase each other’s joy, we might happily talk straight through night till dawn.

Zoom church, for all its creativity and flexibility and fun, leaves something to be desired. The ineffable energy exchange of embodied worship happens in a hundred different ways.

Rather than claiming we’re in the same boat, the gospel tells me to find out about my neighbor’s boat. Seek to understand their experience of this storm.

If you, like me, are having days where it feels like the story is coming to an end, remember. All you have been through to get to this point. All the obstacles overcome.

To be faced with something we don’t know can feel quite shameful. For a lot of us, especially in some circles, not knowing can feel like a crime. Rather than risk it, we nod knowingly.

Most everything happens slowly, especially change in our lives and in our churches. God has God’s own time and schedule. My job is to do my job and let God be God.

We might go to church avoiding questions about our job (laid off) or our academic prospects (failed) or our spiritual health (doubtful). But the church began among hurting people.

Hate and haters are so easy to hate. We cannot fall for that. We are called to have the courage to choose love, alongside our rejection of hatred.

After Easter, the disciples gathered together often, trying to make sense of life without Jesus.