7th Inning Stretch

Dear Friends in Christ -

I was over in the parish hall this evening, and the place was teeming with activity. People doing everything from washing dishes to steaming the new curtain to setting up a sound system to folding napkins to making signs.

There was quite a lot of positive energy - and a little grumpiness as well. It's understandable. It's now less than 48 hours before show time and everyone wants their contribution to be good and their efforts to pay off in the form of (1) fun and (2) successful fundraising.

In the midst of all this, I want to call us to a "seventh inning stretch." As you know, in baseball the 7th inning stretch is the time when people rise in the stands and - at least in many parks - sing "Take me out to the ball game", a hymn to the joy of the game. The song is sung by everyone, whether or not their team is winning, to recall the joy of the game itself.

For our 7th inning stretch, here's a good word from the apostle Paul, who knew a lot about keepin' on keepin' on: "So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith."

Hang in there - and continue serving the One who called you. Your reward will be great!
Blessings,
Janet+