The Second Gaze - Guilty Pleasure

I have a strong sweet tooth. No way of sugar-coating it (see what I did there?). And there are some days when I crave it just a little bit more. Yesterday was one of those days. On a day that was, for me personally, a very good and very encouraging day, I also read or heard about challenges in three other churches that are dear to my heart. These challenges coming as some of the pandemic realities came down financially as well as other factors bringing about some painful decisions.  So, last night I was just sad as I reflected on dear friends who are losing their jobs, seeing major changes in their positions, or having to make incredibly painful decisions.  And all this going on in midst of the accumulated stress of the last year.  So, last night, I ate a chocolate chip cookie covered with homemade frosting, not thinking of the calories or the fat content.  But honestly, even as I ate it while talking with my wife about all of this, I was holding these friends, colleagues, and congregations in prayer through these difficult days and praying for sweeter and better days to come.