Our Potential

You can tell how busy I have been lately because I have been way overdo for a post!

Among the many things that have been going on lately, most of it took a back seat with the recent tornado outbreak. By now, we have all heard and seen about the great amount of devastation in Joplin and other areas. A few weeks ago, I was visiting with one of the United Methodist pastors from Joplin about all of his church's plans. That's all changed now as that church was severely damaged by the tornado. Funny how our plans and priorities can change in a heartbeat.

This morning as I was preparing to come to the office, the news ran a number of stories regarding the relief effort. One was about the Independence school district sending 3 bus loads of stuff. Another was a young boy with a lemonade stand raising money for those who lost their homes. And these are just the tip of the iceberg. There are countless stories of people stepping forward to help. Churches, community organizations, sports teams; all contributing to make a difference.

As difficult as these times are for those so greatly affected, it is in these very moments that we glimpse our potential of what we can be as a people. I believe this is our true spirit coming out, the spirit that God has created in all of us. We place other's needs ahead of our own. Our hearts go out to people we don't even know. There is an instinct in us that wants to help.

This is our potential. This is who we can be. This is who we should be.

Chris