A trick question? “When is a patio not a patio?” And, no, the answer has nothing to do with the fact that the “patio” is not a patio because it is a bunch of processed gravel…this is true, but I’m working on the gravel pit and by the end of the summer the patio will be there…I promise. So back to the question at hand…and the answer (as seen below) is that a patio is not a patio when it is a parking lot. That’s right, my home project of building a “patio” will serve as a parking lot for the near future, but that doesn’t deter me from knowing that I am building a patio (and in my plans, there is a wonderful fire pit and space for a table & chairs and some nice reclining chairs too). Why does any of this matter or have any bearing on one’s daily life?

Last Sunday’s Epistle reading was from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, with Paul encouraging the Christians in Corinth with the following: “As we work together with Christ, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. For he says, ‘At an acceptable time I have listened to you, and on a day of salvation I have helped you.’ See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation! We are putting no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry…” (2 Cor 6:1-3) Paul’s intent is a defense of his ministry and his theology of life in Christ, but he also exhorts the Corinthians that life in Christ is a life lived wide-open; a life that is full of love and possibilities…and, importantly, that life begins now! And so, back to the patio, that is a parking lot, that is a patio – do not wait for life to align exactly as you believe it must look before jumping off and getting involved in all that life has to offer. The sooner you jump and join the fun, the better off you will be…and the better off everyone else around you will be because you have joined the party. Paul lists all the hardships he and his friends have endured (2 Cor 6:4-13) but ends this section of his letter by telling the Corinthians that the hardships have not prevented his participation in the “here and now” of life and in the acceptance of the grace of God given to him: “We have spoken frankly to you Corinthians; our heart is wide open to you. There is no restriction in our affections, but only in yours. In return – I speak as to children – open wide your hearts also.” (2 Cor 6:11-13) So, open wide your hearts and be open to the possibilities of life – even if the patio looks like a parking lot…