A colleague recently offered a metaphor that has helped me remember why I give. It has to do with the two bodies of water in Israel. In the north of Israel, the Jordan River flows into the Sea of Galilee. The Sea of Galilee teems with life, and supports humans and myriad other creatures. The water doesn’t stay there, however, it continues to move as the Jordan River flows south.
The Jordan becomes narrow and depending on rainfall, shallow at times, but it continues to flow, like a green snake winding its way through parched land, until it reaches a larger body of water. Now this second body of water has no outlet, all the water that enters it does not leave. That is part of why it is called the Dead Sea.
Everything originates with God, and when we forget that, our lives stagnate in much the same way. That’s why this year we’re asking everyone to spend time reflecting on why you give back to the St. James’ community, and then prayerfully consider how you will give forward for all that is to come in the next year – and beyond. I hope you will join me in doing just that, and then in celebrating together on October 30th at our Fall Parish Pot Luck after the 10:30 am service. Look for more information and sign ups coming soon!
Yours in God’s peace,
Kristin+