July,
2010
The summer months are now upon us. Not
only is the temperature and humidity rising but many of
you are beginning those wonderful summer trips. Some are
headed to the “shore;” others have gone to visit
family in other states. While some have already had their
summer trips, many of us are waiting with great anticipation
and a little bit of patience for ours. Already the highways
are crowded with tourists and the travel industry is gearing
up for a bust time.
One of those old clichés is very appropriate when
thinking about trips. Remember this one: “It is always
nice to go away but it is also nice to come home.”
Each of us needs a break from the routine of our everyday
life. Some people literally need to get away from it all:
mail, phones, meetings, e-mail and yes, even people. But
through it all one item remains constant in each of us.
After a while we all want to come HOME. HOME—there
is something comforting and serene about that place, a strong
sense of belonging somewhere. Many songs and hymns have
been written about HOME: “I’ll be Home for Christmas,”
“Happy the Home when God is There,” “As
for me and my House,” “O God our Help in Ages
Past.”
Coming HOME after a trip can be very refreshing indeed.
Getting back to familiar surroundings and one’s own
bed is comforting and even restful. Equally important is
our feeling about our church home. It is nice to get away
and visit other churches and see how they worship, but it
is also comforting to come back HOME to First Baptist Church.
Those of you who visit other churches on vacation usually
bring me bulletins and I enjoy looking at them. Many of
you say “It was a nice church but I like ours better,
especially our people, who are so friendly.” I hope
each of you that travels this summer have a glorious time.
Come HOME to us relaxed, refreshed and renewed.
Shalom,
Pastor Steve
