Rachel’s family was attending a CRE church for several weeks, and a few weeks ago, Rachel’s little sister, Esther, said she didn’t like church. When asked why, she said, “The servant talks for a really long time.” Also, “I don’t like wine.” I got a kick out of this. After going to our church the next week, she said she liked church, and she even painted a few pictures of it, mostly of communion. When asked why, her answer was threefold: 1) The “servant” didn’t talk for a really long time 2) She liked to walk up to the front to get communion 3) The bread and wine taste good.

I like all those things too, cept maybe the walking to the front for communion. I find it really neat to see this four year old talking about how “Jesus is in the bread and wine.” I find it very encouraging that a four year old really enjoy church. It’s great to go to services week in and week out and hear the Gospel preached clearly. The focus is so Christ-centered, and weekly we are reminded that God meets us where we are. One thing my pastor said a few weeks ago has stuck with me. He was talking about how people always want Jesus and something else. It’s Jesus and my prayers answered. Jesus and peace. Jesus and knowing my calling. But, he said, “If it’s Jesus and anything else, we must despair.” And it’s true.

I’ve really grown a lot in the past few months at Salem. In a lot of ways, it’s been because I am growing in a constant knowledge of God’s presence. God with us. That’s what it’s about. I haven’t figured out a lot of things in my life. I haven’t even figured out today’s schedule. But I know a couple of things. God is with us, and if I feel like I need anything else other than Christ, I must despair. Those two simple truths have been some of the most profound ones in my life.