Little Broke Leg

Post date: Feb 14, 2020 2:6:56 PM

Blessings of God’s peace and joy be with you!

Last Sunday, I/we covenanted only to share posts and stories on social media that promote joy, unity, and Christ’s love. In an effort to live out that promise, allow me to share something that happened this Tuesday.

It was early morning, and as I peered out the window, I saw that some deer and their young ones had come up to the house. As is my custom, I went out and poured the corn into their troughs. I noticed the lead deer was Nina, and she usually runs with Hopping Hazel; but oddly, there was no sign of Hazel. (You may remember that Hazel is the one with the damaged front leg, and she hobbles and hops around on her three good legs. She’s been doing this for almost three years now, proving she is one tenacious deer). As I was feeding Nina and her clan, I noticed there was a young one who was also hobbling. On closer inspection, I saw that its leg was terribly broken, and whenever the little one tried to put weight on it, her leg bent and bowed. My heart went out to this little one . . . so young to have this injury. “Little broke leg,” I said aloud.

I went back inside and began my morning routine. After a few moments, I looked out the window again. Little Broke Leg was eating corn, and next to it, munching away, was her mother —  Hopping Hazel. Although it pained me to see her injury, I couldn’t help but smile. If anyone could teach Little Broke Leg how to get around on three legs, it was fierce Hazel.

You may wonder how is this a story of joy, unity, and Christ’s love. For me, Hopping Hazel has always been a sign of the Holy Spirit. Whenever I’ve experienced challenging or difficult times, or wondered where God was during moments of frustration, Hazel has taught me to persevere. Hazel reminds me of the Advocacy and Comfort and Fierce Nature of the Holy Spirit who will never leave us or forsake us. Hazel shows me that whatever may come, the Holy Spirit persists with us, because it is God who created us, who saves us, and who keeps us — no matter what. This glimpse from nature on Tuesday was the encouragement I needed to continue to share God’s love and joy in a world that so desperately craves it. What the world needs now, is love, sweet love . . .

Come this Sunday at 10:30 AM to listen for how the Holy Spirit is speaking to you. Our featured musician is Mayumi Grasso, cellist. She will be playing the “The Swan” for the Prelude and Leonard Cohen’s  “Hallelujah” for the Anthem. I will be preaching from Deuteronomy 30.15-20 and Matthew 5.21-26, 33-37 and my sermon title is ‘But I Say to You . . .’

Oh, that Holy Spirit! She’s always there, prodding us, reminding us, asking us to observe and listen, and saying with assurance, “I’ve got you.”

In gratitude for the privilege of being your Pastor and the holy call of loving you,

Pastor Trish

PS: Yesterday at twilight, Nina, Hazel, and their clan came up for dinner. And yes, Little Broke Leg was there with them.