Pastor Meg reminded us this morning of Jacob and the Angels Wresling Match. Jacob received a dislocated hip and a name change. We wrestle a bit with God. His ways are not always our ways. We want the flower-strewn, soft grassy path, and he has a more rugged path for us with stones and boulders and highwaymen and women. Lukewarm is how we like our water temperature. Cherry-picking faith is a popular pastime.

Our sails are set for the rest of 2026. We have made our plans. Plans change. That is the lodestar of life. After your wrestling match, while you nurse your hurting hip, see how your soul feels.

The Sun is setting fast. Sunday has come and gone. Night birds are singing. The quiet of the dark. Many people work at night. I did for much of my career. Night is good for thinking, musing, meditating on what has happened and what is coming.

Look around at the Night People. They have wrestled with God. They ask God the hard questions. Questions that politicians and preachers can not answer. ‘Why is there war?’ Night Person asked. ‘Why do children get cancer?’ NP continued. ‘Why is there homelessness?’ NP asked. ‘When will you save us?’ Night Person asked softly.

‘Listen to me, and I will make you a success,’ the President said. ‘I know more than anyone on most subjects,’ P continued. ‘You are going to win so much that you will get tired of winning,’ P proclaimed.

‘Jesus wants you to be rich,’ the Preacher said. ‘Give until it hurts and you will become rich like me,’ P offered with a laugh. ‘God talks to me, then I tell you what he said,’ P explained. ‘God and I have a direct phone line that he does not give to most folks,’ P said confidently. ‘Do you want to be rich and in good health and live in a McMansion on the hill overlooking the town below?’ P asked. ‘Give all you have to do without eating less, no vacations to build the Kingdom of God,’ the Preacher said.

The Night People watched. The night People prayed. The Night People Wrestled with God.