Here we are, strolling into July as our thoughts turn to independence, fireworks, cookouts, vacations and summer fun. But it struck me this week, that as important as all those moments of relaxation are for our mental health, maybe another activity is just as important.

A story comes to mind.

John Ortberg tells the story of a friend who made his first trip south of the Mason-Dixon Line from Chicago to Georgia. On his first morning in the South, he went into a restaurant to order breakfast, and it seemed that every dish included something called grits, which, as my Tennessee friends tell me, is exactly the way God intended it. Not being familiar with this southern delicacy, he asked the waitress, “Could you tell me, exactly what is a grit?” Looking down on him with a mixture of compassion and condescension, she said, “Sugar, you can’t get just one grit. They always come together.”

They always come together — at least if we want to present a full plate that looks filling and will stick to your ribs. The grits I’m not so subtly naming are you and me, and where will we be without you on Sunday mornings?

We survive, grow and thrive by sticking together as we gather each Sunday morning to hear a Word that will nourish, fill, stick to our ribs and carry us through the many challenges we might face in the coming week. Or maybe we just need to hear a word of encouragement knowing someone loves us just as we are. And to think, we miss all that by not sticking together! Sugar, you can’t have one grit. They always come together.

And so it is with us who call ourselves “church.” We join together as one dish. Simple in nature but elegant in nourishment and sustainability. All because of the One we gather with.

I’m the kinda guy who totally understands the need to get away for some rest, relaxation and mental health time. It helps guide and ground me for the work I’m called to do. But I also remember where that grounding finds it’s foundation. Keep us in mind this summer as your travels take you near and far always remembering: “Could you tell me, exactly what is a grit?” Looking down on him with a mixture of compassion and condescension, she said, “Sugar, you can’t get just one grit. They always come together.”

May the Lord of all Nourishment richly fill you and keep you this Summer Season.

Bob Stone is pastor of Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Pocatello.