I long to see you again, for I remember your tears as we parted. And I will be filled with joy when we are together again. — 2 Timothy 1:4, NLT
The beauty of these heartfelt words from Paul to apprentice Timothy are easy to receive because we’ve all received them. Someone in your past knew exactly who you were. They loved you as you loved them. They also knew your attachment to them and they shared their attachment to you.
And all of this? Of course it’s joy!
The joy of the Christian faith is that all of us, who are like Timothy, have (or have had) many Paul-like people in our lives. The joy of any congregation is that in church we engage, remember, and are inspired by the “Pauls” and “Paulines” in our lives. To substantiate this, I wouldn’t be the third longest standing pastor in this congregation where I was a member before I was its minister if it had not been for the love and the joy I have received from those in this church who, if you give me a moment, would make me tear up with joy.
Like me, you long to see those in your life who still inspire you. And if those inspirations are in heaven? There the joy of being together again someday.
PRAYER: Jesus, thank you for those who love us, both here and in heaven. Amen.