ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
September 19, 2026
When I go by Sprouts, I often pick up just a small bag of cinnamon-roasted pecans. They are dairy and gluten-free, and quite yummy. They are also expensive, so I often get only $3 or so. It’s all I need, though often I begin munching on them as I drive home. The other day, I purchased an even smaller amount, .2 lbs. On my way home, there was an accident that slowed traffic, or at least that’s the excuse I’m going to give for eating all of them before arriving at home. But here is the sad part—the very last cinnamon-roasted pecan I stuck in my mouth was extraordinarily bitter. Occasionally, I’ll get one like that, but not the last one. And the nasty taste doesn’t go away. I’m digging in the bag, hoping to find a little piece of cinnamon sugar to cover the disgusting taste in my mouth, but nothing. You would think that one piece amidst all the others wouldn’t ruin the whole experience, but it sort of did. It’s hard to remember what came before.
I don’t want to pretend that the following comparison presents any sort of equivalence, as it does not. But later in the evening, when that yucky taste was finally out of my mouth, I got to thinking about those life events that seem to ruin everything that came before them—betrayal, abuse, hatred, and the list goes on. Not only do such experiences have us forgetting the good that came before, but it’s hard to get rid of the bitter taste. It’s understandable, and those who say, “Well, just get over it,” are those who have either lived a rather protected life or simply lack empathy. For the rest of us, we need to remember that Jesus told us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves, and the second part is essential. We need to take the time to love, affirm, embrace, and celebrate ourselves, even when it is hard to do so. Additionally, we need to surround ourselves with those who will continue to speak of our inherent value, because sometimes that bitterness not only lingers, but it makes us question a whole host of things we previously claimed to believe.
In your grace, O Good and Gentle Spirit, we seek the encouragement and affirmations necessary to take care of ourselves, both understanding and embracing our sacredness. It is not always easy, so continue to bless us with some holy motivation as we desire to find peace and wholeness. Amen.
