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October 10, 2024 Dear San Marco Church Family: My recent Upper Room morning devotional focused on the importance of embracing our own limitations. As humans, we often try to hide our anxieties and fears from others by acting brave and strong, regardless of what we feel inside. Yet it is only when we are honest with others about our vulnerabilities that we draw close to each other and to God. Approaching hurricanes tend to reveal the vulnerabilities of even the most stoic among us. For the past twenty years living in Florida, I have found myself reflecting upon the variety of thoughts and emotions that I experience as a hurricane approaches. Certainly I become acutely aware of how much of life I cannot control, and I have to process this reality as I move toward trusting God for my well-being. Yet the more I do trust God’s provision, the more grateful I become for every breath that I take. Expressing gratitude for the gift that is my life puts my fears and anxieties on pause, and while I may remain anxious, I am not overwhelmed. Hopefully as you read this you are in a safe place either awaiting Milton or recovering from Milton’s impact. Either way, I invite you to do two things. First, thank God for your family and friends, and for the shelter that is available to you. Secondly, commit now to attend worship this Sunday, October 13, either in person or online. Worship, especially in person, is a great way to center ourselves and to carry on in the aftermath of traumatic events. One of my favorite scripture passages is John 16:33, in which Jesus reminds us that “………in this world you will have trouble, but take heart, for I have overcome the world.” Whether we are anxious because of hurricane damage or some other trauma, we can rest in the knowledge that our God understands our struggle and offers to walk with us through every challenge that we face. We are never alone! I look forward to seeing you in worship this Sunday, October 13! In the meanwhile, be safe and practice gratitude each day! Steve Hart
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