Returning – Thoughts From the Edges while following Jesus.

Returning

July 22, 2025

Pastor Calvin Cook –

Gail and I returned from our short vacation last evening. Immediately I thought of things that needed attention that had remained incomplete before we left. There was and always is plenty of mail to look at. Doesn’t seem so overwhelming when done every day but now there is stack that I need to go through.

The last few days have been very beneficial. A time of reflection for both of us, one of those things is that we are not as young as we use to be and the energy we once had in our youth is now “not so much”.

But today is a new day and I return to one of my favorite scriptures – Lamentations 3:22-24 “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore, I will wait for him.”

Through it all we persevere not to reach the finish line but to run the race and not for our own purpose but for God purpose. A return to those sacred practices that are referred to as the “ordinary” is really what will shape us.

God’s purpose doesn’t change in its foundation – We are called to be in relationship with God first and foremost. That is what we were created for! From that then calls us to love God, love others, while continuing to grow in our relationship and truly knowing our purpose.

As I have been praying – Lord give me someone today to share your love with, I am constantly amazed as I step away from myself and see others as God sees them, that prayer is answered. Regardless of if it is in a restaurant, a dollar store, a street corner, a hospital emergency room, we are constantly called to be the light of Christ.

A thought on returning to the ordinary would be this: Be available to be used by God. Return to your first love. Escape to the sanctuary where it is just you and God in a time of prayer, discernment, reading scripture, and just listening. Whether that place is a busy street or a quiet shelter it becomes necessary as we experience the steadfast love of God that is constantly new and refreshed.

Have a great day – Thanks for reading –

Pastor Calvin Cook

A reminder – I write these devotionals to myself everyday as the practice of keeping my own self in check. I share them with you hoping that they draw you closer in your relationship with God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I  always welcome further conversation.