This week has brought tears as well as joyful celebration. Above you see our nineteen year old kitty on her last day of life. Illness overcame her until she barely ate, dropped weight to under four pounds, and could walk only with effort. Why an adult should shed tears over a fuzzy friend, is beyond me, but this author shed several. Crazy, I know!

By contrast,  however, last week also found me pumping up the tires on my bike, after a two plus year vacation from bike riding, while two replaced knees healed.  What a joy to begin bumping along our road, enjoying the breeze, but breathing extra hard on the “ups” and relaxing on the “down” portions of the road.

Sunday, as we took our short, two mile plus spin, we experienced and even greater moment. Rounding a corner, there on our right was this small deer staring me in the eyes. Stopping the bike, and yanking the phone from my pocket, I held my breathe. Would this beautiful creature of God stay still for a photo? Yes, he did stand still.

Life is a cycle – with both endings and new life. God gives new birth, and takes life, both in animals and in humans. Tears happen but are balanced with moments of joy, if we will only take a moment to stop, look, and rejoice.

As we face these troubled times in our country, we shed tears for lives taken, and then we also rejoice as new lives are created. Somehow, however, we must develop the ability to appreciate all people as children of God. We have an obligation to reach out to all with the gospel. Yes, shed a tear, when injustice happens, but then, in a peaceful, but intentional interaction, be a messenger for God.

God will be with us. We are to trust him and not be afraid as we spread the gospel. “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:3-4).

I ask myself, how many tears have I shed for those who know not God? BUT, an even larger question, what am I doing right now, to help reach folk today? Has worry overtaken my trust?

My prayer, “Lord, help me bold and wise at the same time, as I attempt to reach out to hurting folk. Thank you Lord. Amen”