Now is the Time

Dear Friends,

On the kitchen counter at the rectory, we have a cookbook stand that, for the last few months, has held a book by Ina Garten titled Go-To Dinners. As Bryna and I nightly struggle with the age-old and seemingly relentless question, “What’s for dinner?” the Barefoot Contessa blithely stares back at us, holding a glass of white wine in front of a perfectly cooked meal.

The reality is, I don’t think either one of us has ever even opened the book. Well, at least I haven’t. So all I see, as I recoil at the thought of having to pick up some last-minute items at Publix to make it through another dinner, is a mocking, judgmental celebrity chef staring back at me.

Now, by all accounts, Ina Garten is a lovely woman — a brilliant chef and a beloved author. So, Ina, if you’re reading this, know that it’s not you; it’s definitely me. 

But I also think this is exactly how many of us treat the Bibles in our homes. We see them on the shelves, covers closed, intimidating, secretly judging us for not reading them on a regular basis. But here’s the thing: it’s never too late to crack open that Bible and be inspired by the Word of God. There is no better time to pull it off the shelf and spend some time reflecting on divine wisdom than right now.

So, if this applies to you in any way, I’ll make you a deal. You find that Bible and open it up to, say, Matthew 5:1-12, and I’ll open up Go-To Dinners this weekend and make “lemon linguine with zucchini and basil.” None of this is too difficult. Sometimes it just takes a little encouragement. 

And if you’d like to go a little deeper with Scripture, or don’t know exactly how to begin, please reach out to one of the Bethesda clergy. We would literally like nothing more than to point you in the right direction, and invite you to engage with God’s Word. It is indeed life changing.

Peace,

Tim+