November 24, 2006

Is it more important to know what separates us or what unites us? Before you tell me your answer, let me share some thoughts behind this question. I’m thinking quite seriously about my response.

I participated in two more Challenge Days this week. The time I spent with the high school students reminded me of how destructive pre-conceived opinions can be. We separate over skin color & ethnicity, body shape & size, income & occupation, interests & activities, beliefs and lifestyle.

This separation can be very destructive to community. We box people without knowing anything about them except usually superficial markers.

But sometimes differences are important. While showing my yard to my sister in-law I noticed one pot of plants had many holes in the leaves. They were different than any other pot. A slug or snail had been active and I need to do something about it.

When stemming the fresh strawberries that were picked locally on Wednesday, (yes, fresh strawberries the day before Thanksgiving) I noticed a couple of them were brown under the stem cap. I didn’t want rotten berry in my pie so I cut it out. The pie was superb!

While admiring the bright orange colors on our persimmon tree, I recognized several fruit that were darker and more transparent than the rest. So I picked the first dozen fruit that were ready to eat. And if you like persimmons, you would love the flavor of these fruit.

But if I pass up the Thanksgiving loaf just because it contains onions, I may miss a very delicious entrée. If I’m allergic to the nuts then I’d better pay closer attention. Sometimes the differences really matter. Other times they keep us from affirming what is most important.

“And this is the way to have eternal life--to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth.” John 17:3

Be at peace,
Pastor Steve