The first thing I do every morning as I swing my feet out of the warm, cozy cocoon of my bed is say, “Thank you God for bringing me safely through the night.” 

Some rare mornings, virtually no energy is expended in making the bed; the place where I set my head with the onset of sleep is the same place I wake up in. Ah... deep peaceful sleep. Some nights are longer than others; my body becomes familiar with all four corners of my bed. My covers take on a post war-zone look. Some nights even Sally, my cat, won’t venture onto my bed—I keep trying to process all of the uncertainties in my life.  Sometimes I try to hold tight to what I think I have. This, I think, is not a very helpful attitude for me.

My uncertainties have many roots: my Mom’s illness, the impact the war is making on us, the volatility of the stock market recently, all the pain and suffering I come into contact with. There is so much in our everyday lives that is uncertain.

Of one thing I am certain—and for me it is a huge certainty—is that I am convinced God loves me, me with all my errors in judgment, and there is not one doubt in my heart that God loves you as well. I tithe (tithe means 10% of my gross wages) because I truly believe that everything that I call “mine” actually belongs to God. I tithe because giving to Marble Church is my effort to continue Christ’s saving mission to this time and this place. Am I certain of where God is leading this church? No. But I am certain that God is present and working in and through Marble. God is at work transforming Marble into a new creation. I am humbled and awestruck that the Spirit of God brought 28 new souls to Marble’s membership two weeks ago. In the face of all of their life’s uncertainties, 28 people boldly stepped forward and said “Yes.”

I find joy returning my best offering that goes to support the mission of Marble. Perhaps it is a good time to re-read our Mission Statement printed on the front of every Sunday’s Bulletin:

“We are an inclusive community led by the spirit of Christ in creating an atmosphere where miracles of change and growth take place, inspiring a faith which helps overcome the adversities of life and empowering each to become the light of Christ in the world.”

I understand that not everyone can tithe but we can all set a goal to return to God from our abundance. Think, pray, think and pray some more. I am certain the God’s Holy Spirit will bless you and guide you.