Dear Harpeth Hills Family,
As we look forward to meeting together again, we arrive here at different places. Over the past three months, our families have had different experiences – homeschooling children, worries regarding a job or finances, illness or loss, grieving the loss of milestone events in the lives of our families, and unrest throughout our country. Our path back to “normal life” feels uncertain and tenuous despite the speeches given and data released by the experts. Where do we find those guarantees and what to focus on?
In Jeremiah 29 we are told, “For I know the plans I have for you – plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” The apostle John writes that God loves us enough to send his Son; belief in Jesus assures us of eternal life; and Jesus came to give us life and life abundantly. (John 3:16, 10:10). Paul assures us in 2 Corinthians 3, “That we with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” As we follow Jesus, we are being transformed to be more like him, to reflect his character, and to overflow with confidence, hope, and peace that comes only from God.
According to Jesus the second greatest command is “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Loving others can take place when we put ourselves in another’s shoes and see life through their eyes. A life spent in Brentwood, Tennessee cannot contain the same experiences as life spent in an inner city, another country, or even another family. While we do not have to agree on a program or plan authored by man, we do know God wants us to listen to each other and to genuinely feel and love each other. Each of us, our country, and the world are seeking peace, which will only be found in Him.
As we anxiously anticipate worshiping together again, our prayer is that God keeps our hearts and eyes focused on Him, and once again our worship will overflow with our love for each other and for our Savior.
Your Shepherds