Candee Calling- September 16th

Dear Friends,

One of my favorite pastimes as a young child was to “connect the dots.” Who knew what image would appear as I drew a continuous line from number to sequential number? Sometimes, it was obvious what the picture would reveal but often, it was not – especially when there were clusters of dots! That required patience and occasionally, an eraser! But the result was always a sense of satisfaction and joy at having completed the puzzle and discovering the hidden object or scene.

Now an adult, I no longer enjoy connecting the dots as I did in my youth! I do, however, find joy and an overwhelming sense of gratitude as I consider how God has blessed my footsteps, redirected my path when necessary and connected all my life’s story – good and not so good - through his mercy, unconditional love, and grace. In the middle of going through a few challenging times, I did question God’s presence, providence, and protection. And though my prayers seemed to go unanswered, all the while God was working to bring life out of death, joy out of sorrow and hope out of despair. I simply needed to be still, wait patiently and trust that the faithful God I served, heard me, loved me, and would heal me – in God’s own way, not mine!

Though entering seminary resulted in the end of a marriage, it was then that I discovered and claimed the person God was calling me to be. When I consider the people I’ve met along the way – mentors, teachers, colleagues, friends, and the experiences I’ve had serving in congregations, missions and as a chaplain, it’s obvious and plain as day that this was God connecting the dots in my life! And, as I was going about my life, day to day, God saw the big picture and God made it good. God always does. As Paul writes in his letter to the Romans 8:31b, “If God is for us, who is against us?”

I invite you to take some time to reflect on your life – the highs and lows. Perhaps draw a

timeline beginning with the day you were born until the present. Write above the line next to the corresponding date, times when things were going well in your life. Below the line, name times when just the opposite was happening. Now, prayerfully reflect on all the days of your life. How did God show up? What did God give you (courage, hope, strength, etc.) and/or who did God place in your path to turn your mourning into dancing? Spend some time in prayer thanking God for being the Great Connector in your life. To God be the glory!

Peace and Blessings,

Pastor Candee