Circle of Hope

I have always been glad that I was born in September. First of all, the cool morning temperatures and warm mid-days are incredibly inviting. Another great characteristic of September is new beginnings. I think even if I weren’t involved in school year cycles, I would still be trained to see September as a start. This summer I’ve been thinking a lot about the apostle Peter when I think about starting anew. I’ve been thinking about how Peter gets a new beginning with Jesus. He goes from being a fisherman to being a fisher of men. He goes from being the disciple that denied Jesus three times to be being bold and renewed in the Holy Spirit sharing the love of Jesus all over. I think Peter shows us that we have time and grace. That it’s okay to stumble and fall but still be bold. Especially now at Circle of Hope when we are planting congregations and thinking about our future, it’s some thing to keep in mind. I think at this time it is okay to be a little apprehensive, it is okay to be a little bit nervous, and God will work that out in us. If you have never heard the story of Peter walking on water with the help of Jesus, I encourage you to read it (Matthew 14). A lot of people remember it as Peter having too little faith and sinking. What always impresses me about that story is that Peter had the courage, even when no one else was trying, to walk out to Jesus, to defy all laws of physics and try to be closer to God. Maybe that’s some thing to aim for in the month of September.