¹Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, ²and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Ephesians 5:1-2)

I know you are.

I know you wonder how to still have energy when so much keeps happening at once. I know you wonder how to address it all. I know you wonder what good news the people in your circles of care need to hear. I know you wonder what good news you yourself need to hear. I know you are tired. I know you have moments when the energy is good and the vibes are pleasant and your faith in humanity is restored. I know there are moments when, like Moses, you shake your head at God and want to just say, “God, deal with your humans.” I know you are busy and thinking about Sabbath. I know you are gearing up for the tensions of this historical election season (don’t they all seem historical now?).

I know you are.

Because, me too.

As children of God, we carry God’s light and love wherever we go. And some days, it feels easier than other days. Some days we even remember we need someone to pour that love and light into us, too, because our wells feel awfully dry. And we wonder how to go forward as a faithful people in the world God loved so much that God would send God’s only Son to bring life.

I find encouragement in Ephesians 5:2, which reminds us to “live in love, as Christ loved us.” Live in love, not just in words, but in actions. The verse goes on: “as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Love is sacrifice. Love is bold in the ways we take risks for each other and the ways we show up for each other and the ways we cross borders for each other. Whatever happens in the next few days, months, years, seasons…our call as children of God does not change. Whatever other changes happen, our call does not change. We are still and always called to live in love. To love because Christ first loved us. To love because it’s what we know and it’s how we can best imitate the God we’re called to imitate to the best of our ability.

And when we inevitably mess up, take heart because God’s grace overflows.

I know you are.

I know you wonder what living in love could look like next. I know you wonder how your community of faith can love in word and deed in ways that are new or in ways that refine what you’re already doing. I know you are looking for hope that lasts and seeking an anchor to moor us when things seem wild. I know you wonder how to best share the good news of God’s enduring love with your (God’s) people.

I know you are.

Because, me too.

Take heart that the Spirit hears our wondering. Take heart that the Spirit walks with us through our wondering. And take heart that the Spirit is with us to inspire us when our wonder takes flight.