Bats. The Kelsey family hates bats. Normally, I don't mind bats that much, especially when they are where they are supposed to be. What I don't like is when they are dive-bombing me in my living room. I am not some insect to be eaten. I much prefer those bats that hang kindly from the drapes or the mirror, not the ones that will not rest but continue to be so insanely afraid that they will not stop circling. That was the kind of bat we had in our house on August 13th.
And as it was taking lower and lower swoops toward me, and I was screaming with each one, I thought about fear. I thought about when Jesus talked about the many things we worry about. Many times our fears are REAL fears -- a member of our families are very sick, we are in danger of losing our jobs, the credit card bills seem to just get higher and higher, and food prices seem hover higher than we can afford. Some of our fears are for the maybe's in life - the what if's and and's of life. And others are those small moments and when they were done where not all that severe when looking bat, I mean back.
As we return from a beautiful summer of fun at the mountains and the shore, we return to the many fears of life. Yet we also return with the words of Psalms 27:1 -- The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?"
Let us, in the midst of those moments that bring concern to us, remember the one who walks that path besides us, that provides for our needs and mediates on our behalf. Let us recall to times when we have been comforted in our illness, in our despair, in our grief. Let us also recall when God celebrated with us in our jubilation, in our excitement, and in those moments of blessing.
We know that life is not perfect, but the imperfections help us really appreciate the great joys brought through living in relationships with others and with our God and the true joys that life brings to our souls.
As we begin another fall season in the church, let us find new ways of celebration and in the face of fear to remember the one who walks through life with us -- Jesus Christ.
