As we continue through this summer season, I hope you can enjoy the sunshine and the life that buzzes around us. I’m reminded of God’s beauty and faithfulness when the flowers and berries appear in my yard. Their cycle of life in spring and summer and hiding in fall and winter point me to the now and not yet-ness of the kingdom of God. Their small beauty gives me hope that in the larger unknowns the Holy Spirit may still bring forth life and fruit that I can’t yet see.
As I enjoy the beauty of summer, I’m contemplating Psalm 33. Verse 5 stands out to me: “The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love” (NIV). It’s inspired me to consider the ways God’s love comes to us through nature and also how it points us to more righteousness and justice.
Some of you are reading this issue at MennoCon23, the Mennonite Church USA convention and delegate assembly July 3-8 in Kansas City, Mo. It is a gift to be present with one another, worship and learn together.
Three of our Anabaptist World staff are present at this year’s gathering — Tim Huber, Paul Schrag and I. Together we are covering the news of the gathering, collecting participants’ stories and representing Anabaptist World to everyone there.
Since we are a dispersed team, events like MennoCon23 are special occasions. I always benefit greatly from joining my teammates in person. I’m generally working from my home office in Goshen, Ind., and, while that is a privilege in its own right, joining my team in person energizes me for the work ahead.
Others who participate in MennoCon23 might feel the same way about seeing folks from the across the country in Kansas City. It’s an energizing event for the denomination. Look for our coverage online and in our next print edition.
It’s also a special time for me because I get to meet so many of you, AW readers. I can’t begin to explain how meaningful it is to connect with you and hear how you are experiencing our work. It’s lovely to hear praise but it is just as important to me to hear your hopes and dreams of how Anabaptist World can improve and grow.
For those who aren’t able to participate in person, I hope that sometime our paths will cross also, so that I might be able to hear your thoughts about and hopes for Anabaptist World. I always welcome your emails or phone calls as well.
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