“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption (derived from the Greek word “son” depicting a family relationship). When we (as children) cry, “Abba! Father!” it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ—if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.”   Romans 8: 14-17

From Eugene Peterson and The Message:

….God’s spirit touches our spirit and confirms who we are – we are children of God.  We belong to God.  What we go through in life God goes through also.  Our pain and suffering becomes God’s pain and suffering.  Our laughter becomes God’s laughter. 

Let’s recognize that pain and suffering in our lives truly becomes God’s pain and suffering.  Our laughter becomes God’s laughter!”

As we gather to worship this Pentecost Sunday on this Memorial Day Weekend, may we pray for God’s Spirit to move in and between us in our worship and play.  AMEN