Last weekend Cliff and I went to the city of Boston and had a delightful time with our daughter Alana and her hubby, Michael. Cliff and I are both country folk with only a little urban experience, so there was much learning to be done as well as exploring and visiting.

Our "country mouse" looks must have been rather obvious as the attendant at the T station where we would catch the subway into the heart of Boston each day came over within a few moments to assist us in our "Charlie Ticket" purchase. Persons of all shapes, sizes, colors, and economic levels crowded into the cars. Those that had seats sometimes closed their eyes as we swayed, jerked, and jolted. The screeching of the brakes was like fingernails on a chalkboard to my unaccustomed delicate auditory canals.  The majority of folks under the age of 30 were connected to one device or another. Those standing had to be careful they didn't pitch into someone's lap. You can be proud; I had to stay alert at all times, but I kept my feet!

What a great place to "people watch." (Sorry if this creeps you out!) You know, at first it seems people are traveling alone in crowded boxes, but watching faces as they are connected to friends, family, and coworkers on their phones, ipads, and whatnots tells another story. One buff, tough-looking character sitting next to Cliff was texting love notes to someone. (Cliff couldn't help but read it!)  A rather sullen-looking teen scrunched in the corner suddenly smiled, even showing teeth changing his whole countenance as he connected to someone somewhere. As we waited for the T at the Forest Hills station, we listened as an urbanite male made calls to coworkers explaining he'd be late for a meeting and then talking about the baby shower he'd be attending later that afternoon.

Watching eyes light up and smiles crinkle faces as people connected with others on their devices, reminded me to look beyond outward appearances. Spending these few days in Boston was a lesson in that what seemed foreign and strange to me was for many comfortable and home.

Brother Mick's message this week is "Missing the God Moments" with his sermon text being Luke 13:10-17. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+13%3A10-17&version=NRSV  In Mick's presermon notes he states, "How often do our own biases, expectations, and assumptions cause us to miss the "God Moments" which are taking place right around us?"  Open our eyes, ears, hearts, and minds, Lord!

College students, know that I will be holding you in prayer as you begin classes!  If you have specific prayer concerns, don't hesitate to contact me. :)

The world continues to be wrapped in violence.  Let us pray and act for peace that the light of the Divine will shine in the dark abyss of war and hatred.

Prayer for today:  Merciful and gracious God, your steadfast love is from everlasting to everlasting. As the heavens are high about the earth, so great is your love for us. If only we could truly believe that, gentle God! If only we could act accordingly, patient Creator! Illumine our eyes, ears, hearts, and minds to your Divine Presence in all our activities today.  Lord, please grant courage, focus, and clarity to our students returning to school. Lord, please grant understanding, peace, and wisdom to all of us who are students under your tutelage. Come Kingdom of God. Be done will of God, on earth as it is in heaven. In JESUS name. AMEN. 

Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too!
Love and Light,
Carol

http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/

"Always remember who you are, whose you are, where you are going, and what you believe, because it does make a difference! Oh, and don't forget to attend a church of your choice this weekend." jd