`As offered by Pastor Mark as part of his sermon Sunday , March 3.  The service can be found on our Facebook page.

How are you? Really. How are you? I just had to send a note to tell you how much I care about you.

       I saw you yesterday as you were talking with your friends. I know how much you are struggling. So do they. I waited all day hoping you would want to talk with me, too. I sent rain for you to slow down, a night sky to help you rest – and I waited. You never came. That stung a bit, but I’m still here for you because you are my beloved.

       I saw you pretending to sleep last night. You hardly rested at all. I longed to touch your face. Again, I waited, wanting to rush to you so we could talk but you only talked to yourself, rehearsing all the struggles in your life. I wish you would have shared those things with me. I have so many gifts for you. And this morning you got up and dove right into your day, back to the same destructive behaviors that made you so miserable yesterday, and the day before, and the day before that. My tears for you were in the rain yesterday.

       If you would only talk with me and listen to me. I love you! I try to tell you in the sky and the wind. I whisper it in trees and breathe it into the colors of the food I’ve given you to eat. I talk to you in streams and rivers. I give the birds love songs to sing. My love for you is deeper than the ocean and bigger than the largest need in your heart.

       Ask me anything! Talk to me. Please don’t forget me. I have so much to share with you! I won’t hassle you any further. It is your decision. I have chosen you and I will wait to help you until you are ready. I love you.

       Your friend and Higher Power, God