Sometimes/All the time...

Sometimes we see others who we think do not belong, so we shout out their name to embarrass them. Sometimes we try to hide in the crowd, hoping no one will recognize us. Sometimes we are upset that others in the crowd have the things we want, so we complain and grumble out loud. Sometimes the crowd looms over us so that we lose touch with God. Sometimes we feel called to ask the crowd to do unpopular things, and yet we shy away from that call. Sometimes we say to ourselves, "if only I were somewhere else...". Forgive us, God. Help us understand our relationships with others. Help us to be a part of your people. See our hearts, O God. Know our deepest yearnings to be with you. Call us from where we have been hinding to take our place next to you. Welcome us into the crowd of your disciples gathered together in love.

I posted this a while back and thought I'd repost it for my own reinforcement purposes.

Sometimes we are in the crowd and wonder if the crowd really cares one way or another about our presence. Sometimes we cry loudly inside because we think we must smile quietly on the outside. Sometimes we bear our hurts and struggles alone, needlessly, because we're afraid to open up to people or to seek comfort in God. Sometimes we are joyful beyond measure and sometimes we let the weight of life bring sorrow.

Sometimes.

All the time...

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore I will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountians shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountians tremble with its tumult.
Psalm 46:1-3