I need to tell you something.

I am really, really bad at video games.

Last night Dan had a thing at school so I agreed to play Mario Kart with the boys on the Wii.

It was ugly.

After the first race, when I came in dead last, both of them rushed over to me with hugs. They had all kinds of encouraging things to say:

“It’s okay, mama. I lose too”

“You’re just learning. You’ll get better.”

“It’s just a game.”

“Don’t be sad. You can try again.”

Mind you, I was almost laughing at my incompetence. I was not in the least bit sad. (But don’t take that to mean I can never get competitive – I can!)

But I was so touched at how quickly they encouraged me. How I pray they will always be secure enough in their own gifts from the Giver and identities from the Creator that they can come alongside anyone who is struggling and offer help or support or just presence.

Our pastor used a beautiful phrase on Sunday: “We are His Bride, His Body. Though a wayward Bride and a broken Body.”

That we are. But I know you’ve seen it too: glimpses of Her beauty; flashes of Her splendor.

He is making all things new. That includes His Church in our generation.

Can you feel it? Are you encouraged?

Because it is so beautiful I can hardly stand it.