“They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord”. (Acts 15:39-40, NIV)

     Relationships can be fragile. A cross word was spoken here. A broken promise is made there. A disagreement that gets out of hand. Before you can say, “Hold my earrings,” an argument ensues, and the two parties must be separated to maintain an armistice.

 “The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.” (Proverbs 20:5, NIV)

     Each day I arise with a pertinent question on my mind. “Lord, what can I do for you today?” It’s a question of purpose with a little “p”. By contrast to a purpose with a capital “P,” which seeks a central guiding direction and meaning to one’s life, the little purposes in life we pursue are equally impactful.

“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” (Colossians 4:6, ESV)

     Please pass the salt. This polite request is made less often at the dinner table these days in my home. My family physician has two standing orders for me. Lose weight and cut down on your salt intake.

“Elijah walked a whole day into the wilderness. He stopped and sat down in the shade of a tree and wished he would die. “It’s too much, Lord,” he prayed. “Take away my life; I might as well be dead!” (1 Kings 19:4, GNT)

     Holy Week is a challenging time for a pastor. A great deal of preparation goes on behind the scenes. Multiple services are planned and conducted. Coordination and alignment of staff activities are imperative.

     Then Easter Monday arrives. This year I arose in the early morning with a case of pink eye. Hail thee festival day!