As many of you know, last month DeLynn and I took a seven day cruise to Alaska.  It was everything we could have hoped for and more. Contrary to what some members of Session may think, I am a big believer in vacations.  I think it is good for the body, mind, and soul to get away for a while and recharge the batteries.  Alaska was good for my mind as I was able to read up on Alaskan history, experience Native American culture, and see new and amazing places.  My soul was fed as we were constantly exposed to God’s incredible creative talents evidenced by the beautiful mountains, glaciers, and wildlife. And my body … well, that’s another matter.  I gained five pounds – which I guess isn’t so bad as the average weight gain on a cruise is 1-1½  pounds a day. But it was worth every ounce! 

            Vacations are a way of changing your environment, your routine, and your pace.  Change is a good thing. Recently, I changed one of my morning spiritual disciplines.  I had been journaling/dialoguing with God in my computer for quite a while and felt like my conversations lately were getting a little stale.  So, on advice of my spiritual director, I stopped doing my dialogues and started doing some reading in a devotional book entitled: “Moments of Faith with America’s Favorite President: Abraham Lincoln.”  I am thankful for the change.  Eventually I will probably go back to my dialogues.  But for now I am being spiritually recharged by President Lincoln! 

            Our cruise to Alaska was made possible by my Dad. He decided that instead of saving his money so we might have an inheritance when he died – why not enjoy it now with those he loved – his kids(and their spouses). That made DeLynn and me very happy. Without his generosity, I think our “big” vacation this summer probably would have been a trip to Gilroy for the Garlic Festival.  Family is a blessing. I am blessed to have two sisters and a brother who all get along and actually like to be around each other (most of the time). 

If that is not true in your family, know that there is another family that wants you to be a part of them – and that is STHPC.  We are all blessed to be a part of a congregation that actually lives out Christ’s call to love one another.  We may not take you on an Alaskan cruise, but we will love you and care for you.  We will weep and pray with you when you are sad and cheer and laugh with you when you are happy.  God is alive and kickin’ at STHPC.  I hope you feel that, too.  If not, come and see me!

I mentioned earlier that one of the great blessings of the trip was observing God’s wonders.  I can’t express the awe of seeing a towering glacier two to three times the height of our cruise ship glistening in the sunlight.  Or the magnificence of a bald eagle as it took flight over the forests.  Or the gracefulness of a humpback whale as it leapt out of the water and then dove back in.  Or the staggering majesty of the sheer cliffs as they rose out of the waters all around us.  God is truly amazing.  Everyone should be required to go out in nature and just sit and listen and enjoy. 

Now, nature should never take the place of worshiping together on Sunday mornings – Jesus is pretty clear about that. BUT admiring God’s handiwork is never a bad thing.

I am grateful to a church that encourages me to take time away.  And I am thankful for a God who created such an unbelievable world for us to explore.  May you be as blessed in your journeys.

Have a great month … and as always, I’ll see you on Sundays.

Pastor Tom