From the Pastor

March 2004

So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. -- 2 Corinthians 4:16

Have you ever noticed how many of the things we rely on require batteries to make them work? It seems like I am constantly checking something's "charge" or "power" level: my cell phone, my PDA, laptop, the cordless microphone I wear for worship, the cordless phone at home, the portable CD player and radio I use when I exercise...the list is extensive. That power level is important, because these things must have an adequate power level or charge to work. If the energy level is depleted, there will be problems. Fortunately, as long as I can remember to take the appropriate steps, charging and re-charging these electronic devices are relatively simple functions. I can put a new battery in some things, and I can connect other things to chargers. In a short time, the energy level is restored, and the device can continue or resume doing what it was made to do.

I also recognize a need in myself for frequent energy level checks and "re-charges." When I am tired or stressed, my physical energy supply gets depleted, and it becomes critical to find ways to re-charge and restore, so that I can continue to function well. For me, exercise helps me re-charge, and fortunately, I have little trouble sticking to a regular workout plan. Brian and I also try to find time to spend with each other--for movies or just "down time"--and that is re-charging for me, as well. For all of us, crankiness, lowered productivity, and malaise can be signs of the need to re-charge, and regular rest, self-care, and relationships with people we care about can be replenishing. With our bodies refreshed, we are better able to go about our work, our relationships, and life in general.

Indicators of low physical energy and power levels can be pretty easily seen, but what are the signs that let us know that our spirits need to be refreshed and renewed? Our spirits may be depleted when we feel a loss of hope...when we feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities of life...when the trials we face loom large and seem insurmountable...when we feel deep down that we need to be refilled so that we might live our lives abundantly. Our spirits start to run on empty when we are not intentional about keeping them charged, and when that happens, we cannot function, as we should, and we are not able to experience life abundantly, as God intended.

Although it may not be as simple as plugging in a charger or getting some sleep or exercise, there are ways to recharge our spirits and to reconnect with God. Worship comes to mind, as does reading the scripture, making time for daily prayer and devotions, and spending time in conversation and fellowship with other Christians. While all of these are good ways to reconnect, recharge, and be refresh and renewed--ways to tend to our spiritual care--I would like to focus on prayer, particularly as helping to nourish the prayer life of HRLC and its members was one of the challenges/goals for 2004 that I listed as part of my annual report.

Prayer is integral to who we are as children of God; it opens an avenue of conversation for us with our Creator, it teaches us patience and offers us hope, and it is a way that we can find a measure of spiritual refreshment. To help stress the importance of prayer, each month I will be offering a prayer "tip" in the Parish Parchment. One month's tip may speak to you and aid you as you seek renewal, while the tip for another month may not be of use to you. However, these tips are a small part of my pledge to aid us as we try to grow as God's children. Use the tips as you see fit. Even if you choose not to make them part of your prayer life, please continue to seek ways to recharge and renew your relationship with God and your commitment to offer your spirit in God's service!

In Christ,
Pastor Brenda