Our Journey Beyond Borders

Our voyage through eastern Canada has been filled with wonderful sights, sounds, and plenty of opportunities to meet fellow travelers. The last two days in Sydney and Halifax, Nova Scotia, have been particularly memorable.

However, the high points of faith always take center stage in my mind. Just yesterday, we commemorated Jesus' ascension to heaven, and now I reflect on how His disciples became articulate and bold in their faith shortly afterward. In Acts 4:32, it's clear how early believers, though different in social classes and trades, "were one in heart and mind." And Acts 2:44 reminds us “they had all things in common.”

I’ve been pondering what the 1,500 people aboard this ship have in common. We've encountered people of all nationalities, languages, and accents, each with a unique story to share. If I had a dollar for every different accent I’ve heard, I could buy a whole lot of souvenir magnets! But despite our differences, there's a commonality that draws us together.

Early believers also found common ground in their love for Christ and commitment to one another. One another's well-being became their primary concern. They realized everything they had was on loan from God, so they brought their possessions, riches, skills, and talents to the apostles. As Ephesians 4:4-6 says, "There is one body and one Spirit... one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

Whether we come from bustling cities or quiet rural towns, we share the same basic needs: we bleed the same red blood, breathe the same air, and rely on the same water for life. These universal needs unite us, pointing us toward our shared need for Jesus Christ, who is the answer to EVERYTHING!

As we journey together across oceans, we're reminded that although our accents differ, our hearts beat to the same rhythm. The spiritual journey we undertake mirrors this cruise ship experience—a shared voyage filled with beauty and challenges, united by love, hope, and faith.

May we embrace the spirit of unity like the early believers. Sure, we might disagree on how to load a dishwasher or who makes the best coffee, and we definitely need a big dose of patience to get along. But those differences enrich our journey as we find God’s grace in what unites us.

Remember that regardless of our differences, we are all God's children, sharing in His love and mercy. May we be one in heart and mind, shining the light of Jesus and celebrating the beautiful diversity that makes our journeys all the richer.

I sure love you, my dear friends and voyagers, and am so thankful to be journeying together with you on this grand sea of life!