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Today I am sitting in my office and reflecting on my Christmas. Soon the New Year will be here and the holidays will be over. So far mine have been great. My younger son and his wife came for a visit and we enjoyed every minute of time with them. I have been able to see my parents and I thank God they are doing as well as they are. I even saw my older son and his family on web cam. My grandson is now able to show off a bit for us. What a gift! The church services have all been a blessing and I feel like a very blessed person. God has been so good to me this last year. I really hate to see it end it has been so good. Sometimes it seems much easier to stay in the past than look forward to the future. Yet, I feel God is always calling me to look forward and not rest on the past. The New Year is fast approaching and with God guiding all will be well. Join me in praying that I will be lead by God and not my own selfish desires.
In a few days my son and his wife will come to visit for a few days. They are going to be here over Christmas. As I reflect on their visit, I am know that I am person who God has blessed in many ways. I do have a wonderful family that has been so loving and supportive to me through the years. Not only are they supportive but God has given my family great health and allowed us to have tasks to do that are rewarding and meaningful. The older I get the more my desire is not for presents that can be bought at the local department store. I want the joy and peace that only God can bestow upon me. Christmas is almost here and I am praying that I celebrate it in a manner that is worthy of God’s approval. I want to not just remember the meaning of the season but I want to experience the real joy and peace of the season. I want a heart that finds a peace in resting in God.
This week I have seen God work in some mighty ways. I dreaded a decision that had to be made this week. I didn’t see how it could work out. From my perspective it looked like it was a no win no matter which way things turned out. During the waiting period before the meeting I prayed and asked God that His will be done. When the meeting was over I could not believe what had happened. It turned out to be a winning situation. My concerns did not come true. I went home and told my wife that indeed God was there.
Too many times in my life I see the problem and really don’t trust God like I should. This week has been a great lesson for me. God works and works mightily. I am just praying more and more for increased faith to walk more confidently in life knowing God is indeed in control.
I decided to go with my spouse to pick up an item she had ordered in a town quite a few miles from O’Fallon. It would take us over an hour to reach our destination. I packed up my computer and decided to do some work as we she drove. It is amazing to me how technology has walked into my life and continues to walk in my life. I learned that now my sermons are broadcast with both audio and video. I don’t think I will be watching them too much but I do think that with technology come more possibilities for reaching out to those who need to hear the story of a God who sent His unique Son to give us abundant life. I have no idea where it will all end but I do know that God can use all of this to advance His kingdom.
This past week has been loaded with many activities. Thanksgiving Day, Phyllis and I went to some friend’s home for a home cooked meal. In the midst of the celebration activities I also was privileged to bless a home and then go to the hospital to visit some physically sick persons. I enjoyed every activity. One of my Thanksgiving blessings is being able to work. Most days I enjoy my ‘work’ very much. Being a pastor has allowed me some great joys. And it continues to bring me a wonderful life.
As I think about the week ahead I know that I have a very busy one. There are meetings every night that need attention. A couple of those meetings have some important matters to discuss. Let me repeat that I am glad to be able to go to meetings and witnessing how God is working in our midst.
Some weeks I don’t have as much to do and I am thankful for the rhythms of life that allows me to have some very busy weeks and then some other weeks that I am allowed to spend my evenings at home. I am asking God to help me be thankful for all of life, the busy and the not so busy.