“For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven…” – Ecclesiastes 3:1
Dear People of St. David’s,
It has been an exciting week and a half for me and my wife Marissa. We moved from Harrison, New Jersey last week and are now getting settled at our new home in Wayne. Everyone has been so welcoming and helpful during the move.
All of us have experienced a move of some kind in our lives. There is so much to do! Moving involves unpacking, cleaning, and organizing. At times, it can feel overwhelming. When will we get it all done? I find myself moving from one thing to the next and not taking the time to soak in the beauty that is in front of me.
Last Sunday, as we gathered for our Family Worship service in St. David’s Hall, I was finally able to take a step back and recognize the way God was moving in my life. I was greeted by children and their families and welcomed into the community here at St. David’s. We sang together, we acted out a story from scripture, and we celebrated the eucharist. Here was God. It was pure joy being able to experience this on my first Sunday. It was a nice reminder of God working in my life. It made me stop and smell the roses, as the old saying goes.
I wonder what other ways we may miss the presence of God when we are busy? It becomes important to recognize the many ways that God enters our lives. Worship is certainly one way to experience God, but not the only way. We may literally need to take a moment and smell the roses. It might help to take a walk around your neighborhood, or you may need a trip to the Jersey Shore. God’s presence is all around us; we don’t want to miss out!
In the summer, the pace of life begins to slow down. However, September is right around the corner. Can you believe it? Before we know it, life will begin to accelerate as vacations come to a close, school begins, and life takes on a new pattern. No matter how busy we may get, I encourage all of us to take a moment to recognize what God is doing in our lives. Take a moment to smell the roses.
It is a blessing to serve as an Associate Rector here at St. David’s. I look forward to spending time with all of you and hearing how God has shown up in your lives.
Many blessings,
The Rev. Thomas Szczerba, Jr.
Associate Rector