Anyone else feel like we’re in a time warp? I’ve felt that way since early 2020. Considering that you are reading these words in SEPTEMBER of 2021 I also realize how long we’ve been “running the race set before us,” as we live out our collective experience of this pandemic.

In a recent midweek message from my purple parlor, I describe this race as an endurance course whose route keeps changing. It’s a long race where unforeseen obstacles appear and must be navigated, a race requiring constant vigilance to keep moving in the right direction. And the endpoint is wholly unknown.

In such challenging circumstances, we grow weary. Yet the race continues. Hebrews 12 reminds us to look for inspiration from all those who have gone before and overcome difficulties — the great cloud of witnesses. It reminds us to look to Jesus who has run the race and endured the hardest things any of us will ever endure. He is our guide, encourager, and source of renewed energy. He is the one who shows us how to persevere with faith, hope, and love.

When we’re depleted or discouraged, we can fall into damaging behavior — toward self or others. As our bodies need the proper fuel to run a race, our spirits and lives need fuel to endure. What refuels your heart, your body, your mind, your faith? What helps you stay the course in gentle, healthy, and loving ways?

As we continue in these challenging circumstances, we at Foundry look forward to celebrating “homecoming” as we step back into in-person/online Sunday worship together. The course can change at any moment, and we’ll be ready to pivot as needed. But we have our eyes fixed on Jesus who guides us as we keep going, one step at a time. And we trust that He is with us no matter what we may face around the next corner.

In faith, hope, and love,

ginger+