By God’s Side: September 16, 2020

Posted on by Rev. Dr. John A. Dalles
Weekly Inspirational Reflections from the Reverend Dr. John A. Dalles

September 16, 2020

The Reverend Dr. John A. Dalles“Are you strangers?”

We had just finished a picnic dinner in the park and were on our way back to our car. As we walked along, we passed one of those large playground equipment castles. There was one little boy having a great time playing on it. His father was sitting nearby on a bench watching him. As we walked by, he said, “Hi,” and so did we.

And then he asked, “Are you strangers?”

He was obviously processing something that his parents had taught him. He was putting it to use, correctly. From the bench, his dad smiled. And we smiled. Then, Judy responded, “Yes, you’re right. I guess we are. But we don’t have to be.” At which, the little boy smiled and went back to his playing.

That is a model for all who follow Jesus Christ. One of the real joys that comes to us nearly each day is this opportunity to go from being strangers to not having to be.

Take a moment today to think about the people that you consider your very best friends. Think about how you met them. Think about that God-given transition from being strangers to being friends. You deeply cherish that friendship.

There is probably an opportunity to befriend someone new, an opportunity that is waiting for you. Someone that God is bringing into your life. Right now. The joyful truth of the Christian life is that we are no longer strangers. May God help you live into this truth today.

“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God.”  (Ephesians 2:19)

The Reverend Dr. John A. Dalles
Interim Senior Pastor, Shadyside Presbyterian Church

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Shadyside Presbyterian Church publishes By God’s Side, a weekly series of inspirational reflections from the Reverend Dr. John A. Dalles, to support you in your spiritual journey. These pastoral messages appear in the blog section of the church website each week. (Our weekly e-newsletter includes an excerpt to remind you to read along with us regularly; click here to subscribe to the e-newsletter if you do not already receive it.) We hope this regular feature will help you to draw closer to God’s side in your life of faith.

Read more reflections by Dr. Dalles from By God’s Side.