Most of us habitually avoid pain. We may find temporary relief when we defer something painful, but often at a cost. When consequences don’t come until later, we can lack motivation to face pain here and now. However, this way of living often leads to regret and missed opportunities for forgiveness, acceptance, transformation, love, and unimagined possibilities. 

As we come to communion this week, may we consider pain we have been avoiding or denying in our lives. By naming, claiming, and stepping through pain, we can discover surprising new beginnings. When we cease to avoid our pain, God can instill in us the courage to move beyond narrow comfort zones and get life moving again. As we continue to open our spiritual toolbox, let us pause this week to consider how, with God’s help, we can work through any pain and transform it into possibility. We look forward to seeing you Sunday for Opening the Toolbox - The Reversal of Desire.