Processing this year has to include times for ups and downs, times for rejoicing and times for difficult things. I’m not prophesying difficult things. I’m just aware there are sides of life that are challenging, difficult. Possibly, in church maybe more than in other facets of society, we try to tell ourselves that the story is rose colored stained glass windows. Yet we know pain is real. I’m grateful  for this conversation in today’s Weekly encouragement! I think you will be, too. So thank you for this time together. Maybe this scripture feels overlooked sometimes, but Jesus talked about a feast where the owner of the house of the feast wanted to make his house full of joy by inviting everyone, and those carrying the message came back with difficult news. People were busy and involved in other things and not accepting of the invitation. So. What did the owner of the house do? He said, “Go out into the highways and byways and compel them to come in. Invite the blind and those who can’t walk.” What a compelling table that would have been to all who attended. I think part of the emphasis of this story in scripture was to cause us to consider, “Are we drawn to reputation more than compelled by the love of God?” People who have varying disabilities are part of God’s kingdom. People of all sorts of disease and distress are invited by Christ. Perfect (seemingly perfect) people are invited by Christ. What is my measuring line? The focus is the love of God. It doesn’t see our sin or our imperfection. After living a life with disability, I’m only beginning to grasp that I’m part of God’s kingdom and that I’m loved by God. It hasn’t come across well in my life sometimes because of the fight I engage in with my sense of worth. And I find I’m so much like so many who struggle with their sense of worth and believing I’m loved by God. It doesn’t come naturally to you and me, even though my place has been a powerfully loving family and friends. I’m struck by this Weekly encouragement! conversation with someone who has lived with disability as long as I have. The wealth of scripture that fills this friend is wonderful. It’s the source of strength and even joy in the midst of great pain. And I wonder if that is what lacks in a life struggling with despair and disappointment, as this person has experienced in great depth. Disability and lack of physical ability of any kind can be difficult and can lead to discouragement. The secret I saw in today’s message was a wealth of scripture, the presence of the body of Christ, and embracing the community around. There’s power in each of these opportunities as they align with God. God has made us to appreciate one another and live as He calls us in fellowship with others who follow Jesus and to be part of the community He’s placed us in. Including people of varying physical disabilities and challenges. Jesus pointed this out. We are to live together, not segregated. This is also the story of We! GO!! I’m still excited for what God can do with We! GO!! and what this can do in furthering the Gospel and representing the Kingdom of God in the way He has intended here on earth. Are we able to see that this is on earth and we have to invite and involve people who have the various scars of earth. What a powerful message as we more fully come into this year. Please remember I’m praying for you because I love you.