Prayer: Thank you, God, for my faith, my family, my friends. Let me always remember the difference between valuables and that which is truly valuable. Amen.
Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: As usual, we came out of church long after the rest of the congregation had gone home. That Sunday, we’d finished cleaning up after hosting the celebration of St. Nicholas at our city church and we were happy but exhausted. I remember carrying a sleeping baby in my arms, her toddler brother bundled in Doug’s, and our two older sons excited about the swirling snow as we crossed the parking lot to our conversion van parked in the corner. But as we came to its side, shock set upon us. The doors were ajar, glass smashed on snow and seats, the car obviously broken into during our advent service. Is there really any way to predict when theft or violence might strike? We lock our doors, we take reasonable precautions, but in a moment, our false sense of security can be shattered. And not only with crime; natural disasters and personal tragedies beset us with little to no warning. Life is unpredictable. Or is it? The particular incidents that make up our days may catch us off guard, but with proper preparation, faith and resolve, we can ready ourselves to stand up to such ordeals. Moreover, the support of our faith community really does build us up. That day, thieves made off with our TV, radio, some Christmas presents left in the trunk, a baby bag. But we were all safe. Our pastor welcomed us into her kitchen and kept us company while we waited for the police. Someone brought diapers for our daughter. Later, our insurance paid for repairs to the van. Nothing that really mattered was taken from us and we witnessed how lucky we really were to have friends and family in times of trouble. --Heather LeBlanc
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