"What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roof tops."  (Matthew 10:27)

How often are we told, lately, "if you see something - say something?"  Any of us who have done any traveling, especially flying, have been told it at regular intervals.  Many of us not only "say" something we look around for help or step in ourselves.  I have been known to stand either in front of, or at least block, a small child I see running but I don't see an adult with them.  My first appointment the parking lot, and a corn field, were right outside the door - not good places for toddlers.  Another time was at a National Park gift shop - child the width of the building ahead of the parents.  What about where we see God working?  Are we talking about that?

The readings, today, are pointing out God IS with us.  God is with Hagar in the desert, giving her water and encouragement, and "with the boy as he grew up."  (Genesis 21:20)  In Romans we are told to "count ourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus." (6:11)  And Jesus, in the Gospel reading, is telling us not only is God with us, and we ARE important to God, we are to talk about it - "proclaim from the roof tops." (Matt. 10:27)  I don't know about you but I'm probably NOT going to get on the roof!

At the same time, as we go through all the changes, all the confusion, the unexpected changes in schedules are we talking about where we have seen and felt God's presence with us?  Are we talking about what God is asking us to do?  Where God is asking us to go?  As Caregivers we are busy, we are trying to follow, and do, what God is calling us to but do we TALK about it?  Do we "proclaim it"?  Something to think about.......

"Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." (Matthew 9:38)

Have you thought about your attitude while you are waiting, or working, on something.  Last week we talked about how long it could take until you did, or finished, something.  This week I am wondering about your attitude while you are waiting or working?  Or when someone asks you to do something - what is your response?  Are you looking at them and laughing?  Are you ignoring them - especially if they want you to try something new?  What about if God is asking you to do, or try, something new?

The readings today are about reaction and attitude.  In Genesis we are reading about the angels telling Abraham and Sarah about the baby they would have in the coming year.  Sarah's reaction is to laugh, then lie about laughing. (Genesis 18:15)  In Romans we are told even if it is difficult to do what is before us things will happen "perseverance, character; and character, hope." (Romans 5:4) In our Gospel reading Jesus is pointing out the work needing to be done and how we should be asking the Lord "to send out workers into his harvest field."  (9:38)

I would ask for you to think about something here.  Yes, Sarah laughed, and lied, but she also laughed quite happily again when Issac was born.  Issac's name even means laughter.  Following where God is leading, doing what God is asking, leads to peace and laughter.  As Caregivers we can be very busy trying to do all the things we need to get done.  What is our attitude while we are doing it?  Are we following where God is asking us to go, doing what God is asking? Something to think about.......

"Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak."  (Matthew 9:20)

​How long does it take you to finish something? It depends on what you are working on - right?  Some of the projects I'm working on have been "in the process" longer than I like to think about.  Some projects get finished pretty quickly.  What about something you are really looking forward to, working on and ready for it to be finished and/ or happen.  For instance it took me 14 years to get my two year associates degree - but I did it.

The Scripture readings today are about working toward what God is calling us to.  In Genesis God is sending Abram "to the land I will show you." (Genesis 12:1) Abram (note he isn't Abraham yet) doesn't even know where he is going, he is older (75), but he packs up and follows where God is leading.  In Romans we are reminded of Abraham's faith "but through righteousness that comes by faith."  (Romans 4:13)  And the Gospel reading, in Matthew, is the story of the woman "who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years."  (9:20)  We know the story - Jesus tells her her "your faith has healed you." (Matthew 9:22)

​In this 'microwave' world it is difficult to think of how l-o-n-g something can take to get finished. These readings remind us God IS with us, WILL help us and we need to keep moving forward - one step at a time.

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,"  (Matthew 28:19)

Today is Trinity Sunday - reminding us of 3 in 1 and 1 in 3 - "Lord God Almighty, blessed Trinity."  There are so many ways we can remind ourselves of the Trinity and be thankful, praising God.  One way I especially think of is the prayer shawl/prayer quilt ministry I have been involved in for most of my ministry,  Each scarf, shawl and quilt is worked with a multiple of 3 -- a multiple of 3 stitches, for knit or crochet and 3 layers, for a quilt.  Each is also filled with our prayers, God's love and our love.  They carry our love, and prayers, going out to others.

Today's readings are about remembering who God IS.  The Genesis reading is the creation story - "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God." (John 1:1)  The Trinity - God the Father (creator), God the Son and God the Holy Spirit - is what Jesus is telling us, in the Gospel to be teaching and baptizing in the name of. (Matthew 28:19 & 20)  

The question is where are we going?  Can we think about "going" to our families?  Maybe our friends?  The coffee shop?  Our favorite place to grab a bite to eat?  Where are we sharing God's love and telling people about KNOWING God IS with us?  As Caregivers we rely on God's strength but do we share how we do that with others?  Something to think about.........