April 20, 2008

"It is this belief in a power larger than myself and other than myself which allows me to venture into the unknown and even the unknowable." -- Maya Angelou

When I drive around Susquehanna County, I am fascinated by the old stone walls that marked of property lines. Some are falling down, but many are the same as when they were built, even though there is no cement holding them together. The builders knew how to arrange them so they would withstand the forces of nature.

When we vacationed at the beach, Jean always brought home a bag of beautiful, smooth stones, washed and polished by the ocean. Stone quarries are a large part of our economy. Stones come in a variety of colors and surfaces and are used for building and decoration. Some become part of our jewelry.

In our readings this week we are called to be living stones. We are called to be church -- people gathered in the name of Jesus to worship and pray together, to comfort and encourage each other. God has made some of us foundation blocks, some worn smooth by life but all give beauty to the group. Together we make up the church. In the days ahead, let us be centered on who Jesus is -- the cornerstone of our faith.