A NOTE FROM REV. SHARON

Dear St. John’s,
 
I recently wrenched some muscles in my back. I tell you this not to gain sympathy, but to observe that pain focuses our attention. We look for ways to alleviate our pain. We may move more slowly or in different ways to avoid the pain. We may get a little grumpy. And all of this can distract us during other tasks or conversations.
 
The same is true with emotional pain. Someone who is grieving or dealing with another deep emotional pain may be forgetful or easily distracted or short-tempered. Unlike many physical injuries, emotional wounds are hidden. We often have no idea what someone else is going through, especially if they put on a brave front and a cheerful smile.
 
So let us give each other the benefit of the doubt. The cashier who’s a little brusque may be worrying about her mother who just went into a nursing home. The driver who cuts us off in traffic may be distracted thinking about a potential layoff. The impatient waiter may be nursing a case of sciatica.
 
Let us be kind, as we hope others are kind to us.
 
Rev. Sharon
 
P.S. – This Sunday will be Eucharist with music. Next week, July 23, we will have morning prayer without music. I indicated the wrong date for morning prayer in last week's announcements.
 
Also, a reminder that this Sunday is our monthly food pantry collection. 

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