Greeting Friends and Family of RRUMC,
Recently my coach and Friend, Rev. Shane Bishop, of Christ Church in Fairview Heights, Illinois, asked me to read his newest book, “The Ping Life,” and give him my feedback. In it Shane reminds us that, “A ‘ping’ is a transmission released by a network to see if a connected device can be reached.”
”If you have ever lost your cell phone somewhere in or around your house, you can hit the “find my phone” button and your phone will start pinging and will not stop until you finally locate that lost phone. In our world there are constantly things “pinging” us for our attention and time. If you have a family, PING. If you work, PING. If you are married, PING. If you have friends, hobbies, passions, and interests, PING! PING! PING! PING!
Shane talks in his book about the fact that God is constantly pinging us as well for our time, attention, love, devotion and commitment. He says, “A ping is a transmission released by God to see if a connected Christian can be reached. A ping is a heavenly signal in search of an earthly response.” I think that is so powerful and it so perfectly fits with our mission and vision: “It’s all about the story. We exist to help people meet Jesus Christ in the midst of their story.” We are acknowledging that God is in our lives. God is already pinging us in so many different ways to get our attention. He is patiently waiting for our life-changing response. God has already established that connection with us and there is nothing that can break that connection that God has with us. Paul tells us in Romans 8 that there is nothing in all creation that can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. The connection is already there and the pings from God are unending to try to get our attention.
What are some of God’s pings in our life and world? Have you heard the laughter of a baby? Have you watched a sunrise or sunset recently? Have you ever been hugged, forgiven, or prayed over? Have you seen a rainbow or watched a thunderstorm roll in? Have you ever had someone tell you they love you? Have you told someone you love them with butterflies in your stomach? Did you get that job?
Have you taken in spring in Cleveland? These are just a tiny sample of the pings that God is sending you every day. You are already experiencing them. I am asking you to hear and see them as God directly sending his transmission to you. How will you respond?
Peace and Blessings,
Rev. Dan