The Pastor's comments on John 21 were to speak of Peter's decision to "go fishing" as a return to that which was familiar. Jesus had been taken from them; they had experienced the empty tomb; there were reports of some of their number having seen the resurrected Jesus. So much going on; what they needed was to return to something that made them feel comfortable and safe and at ease.
The Friday night discussions at the Leadership Retreat spoke of the same desire. When we identified the purpose for LCM-Clemson, what came out on top was "having a church home." What stood out was the desire to have a place and a group of people who would be for us that familiar, comfortable, and supportive experience.
Let us hope LCM will be that for all of us.
But something only becomes familiar by repeated association. So our stated hope and purpose is impossible unless we are present enough for it to become "familiar." A comforting blanket becomes that over time, as it becomes worn.
It is also more difficult for others to immediately feel at ease with that which is another's "comfort zone." Like a favorite pair of shoes, it starts to fit us so well that it becomes unwelcoming to another's foot.
Being at home and at ease and comfortable is certainly a worthy end to seek. And so long as we continually seek to make the sojourner comfortable, we reflect the best of what it means to be God's community. We need such places in our lives; and we need to establish such places for the sake of those who are feeling lost and adrift.
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