Deep Waters

Dear Church Family,

Last night I took Kristen to see one of her favorite 90's pop duos: Nelson! If you don't recall their MTV hit videos like "After the Rain" or "I Can't Live Without Your Love," you will likely have images of their long blond hair stored somewhere in the recesses of your pop culture database. (A quick Google search will refresh your memory.)

I wasn't as big a fan as Kristen, but it was a great show. What struck me most, though, was how much I learned about this duo and all their connections. Regardless of your generation, you know this family. Matthew and Gunnar Nelson's father was the famous actor and singer Ricky Nelson — which means their grandparents were the iconic television couple Ozzie and Harriet Nelson.

Throughout the show, the twins paid tribute to their dad and their family legacy. (And yes, we heard their hits and took a trip to the "Garden Party.") What fascinated me were all the other connections I discovered along the way. Nelson's mom, Sharon Harmon Nelson, was also an actress — and the sister of movie star Mark Harmon (think Summer School or NCIS). Not only that, but Sharon played Kent McCord's wife on Adam-12. Actor Kent McCord was a close friend of their dad’s — and was there at the show that night!

And here's the kicker: the Nelson family is the only family in history to have number one hit songs held by all three generations. Whoa!

By now you're probably asking: what does any of this have to do with a pastor's newsletter article? Well… all of it reminded me that we never know how amazing people are until we take the time to connect. I thought I was just taking Kristen to see an old pop duo with great hair. I had no idea how much more was there. The same is true with every single one of us.

That's what Proverbs 20:5 is getting at: "The purposes of a person's heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out." Each of us carries that kind of depth — layers of story, experience, and meaning that most people never see. And it is a genuine joy to draw those stories out.

So, here's my invitation: as you encounter people this week, remember that you are standing next to a beautiful, complex creation of God with a story worth knowing. Asking about someone's life is a gift to them. And letting someone ask about yours is a gift right back.

When you settle into your pew on Sunday — because of course you're coming to church— turn to someone nearby and ask them to share something interesting about their life. Or perhaps you pose your question to someone new on the patio after service. These conversations and sharing are one more way we help to connect with each other at St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea. You might be surprised what you find in those deep waters, just like I was last night at the concert.

With God’s Peace,
Pastor Karl