This week I participated in the funeral of a dear family friend in my home town of Kirksville, MO.  It involved a family from the church my father pastored for nearly twenty years; a family who always made me feel loved - and not just welcome – but wanted and accepted in their home.

As I began to look around the service and identify people from my childhood and teenage years – a host of memories came flooding back; …church-workers meetings that would turn into late nights of popcorn and hide-and-seek for the kids, ...VBS, ...church camp, ...lake-side baptismal services. 

As children we didn’t know it at the time but we were a part of growing and developing not just “the church” an institution; but growing and developing “the Church” – men and women, boys and girls, who were brought together not just by commonly held beliefs but by our common relationship with our Savior. 

What we do in 2008, when we come together is so much more than just spending time with people to whom we are drawn.  We are brought together by a common bond, the Person of Jesus Christ.  In the community of “church” we learn how to grow, how to rejoice with each other, …to grieve with one another, and to live a life reflective of His touch, His power, His life, His purpose.

However don’t allow yourself to be deceived into thinking it should be easy – it is not an easy life – but- it is a Great Life!!!