Thought of the Day

Each morning for at least the past month, we’ve been broadcasting a Thought of the Day on the intercom at Columbia Lutheran. Here’s one of our Thoughts of the Day from me, Pastor Mary

As you know–I, Pastor Mary, am not a spring chicken. It’s true–I went to college in the 70s and grad school in the 80s. And back in the day–in college and grad school–we used to sleep on futon beds on the floor.

Which is exactly what I was doing–sleeping on a futon bed– that night in California in grad school when a large earthquake happened.

I remember that moment exactly. I was in the middle of the room on the floor, and I had nothing to hold on to. It was so frightening. I finally managed to scooch over to the door and hold the door frame. At least that felt a little better.

Right now the world has certainly shaken us into a new reality. So I have a question for you: What are you holding on to? It’s a good question to ask each other.

Here’s what I see you holding on to here at Columbia Lutheran: A crayon, a walker, a laundry cart, a thermometer, a box of masks, a food tray, a cup of coffee. Never underestimate the power of holding on to something to ground you and get you to the next step.

But here’s the other question I really want to ask you: What’s holding on to you? I know it’s something powerful–or we wouldn’t be here.

Here’s what I notice that’s holding on to you, to us… The friendship between roommates. The routines of reading a book and cleaning a floor. The family members who care enough to call every day for a vitals report on their loved one. Free pizza and hand lotion and hand-sewn gowns and the need for income and years of learning resilience. That’s what’s holding on to us.  All of it is love in some translation. My hope for you today–may you find the doorway and may you know that love got you there.