We all want answers, and it would be great if things were spelled out for us. But that isn't very often how it goes.

Nearing 60, I’m ever more reluctant to change. Yet time is change. If events were frozen, time itself would lose all meaning. This makes the Chinese curse that wishes chaos on an enemy—“May you live in interesting times”—ironic.

“Don’t let this throw you. You trust God, don’t you? Trust me. There is plenty of room for you in my Father’s home. If that weren’t so, would I have told you that I’m on my way to get a room ready for you?

I’m not really “from” anywhere. I was born in Indiana, but by the age of 5, I had lived in five states. My dad worked in sales and he got transferred a lot. I spent a long stint of my childhood in Chicago, then we moved to Michigan, then I moved back to Chicago to go to college.

In the words of today's scripture, we are "chosen and precious in the sight of God." We pray for the forgiveness and strength we need to be called the people of God.

Do not be ashamed to serve others for the love of Jesus Christ and to seem poor in this world.