I have been wrestling with this thought the last few weeks as I watch the
parade of people on the news, in our pews, and at Salem Food Pantry.
Should I be thankful I don't have some of the problems I see or hear
about? Should I be thankful I have a job? Should I be thankful I can
trust my family?
It doesn't take long to remember that at any moment I could be in the same
situation as those I meet or hear about. Circumstances can change
quickly, just like the rough weather that passed just north of us on
Monday. People lost their homes in a few seconds. Fortunately injuries
were minor and no one lost their life, but Nov. 22nd, 2010 will be forever
etched in their memories as a day their lives changed.
One of my favorite movies is Pollyanna, set in the "old days" when
automobiles were new. Pollyanna has come to live with her wealthy aunt
who controls the town with generosity on her terms. Born to missionary
parents, Pollyanna was taught to appreciate the little things and finds
something good about everything. She even teaches the preacher that he
will get farther with a little praise than with the constant berating of
his congregation. "Look for the good in them" is the advice she shares
from her father. Often I hear Pollyanna's voice when I am absolutely
frustrated with people or gravely disappointed. Where is the good in
them? What has broken them so much that it is hard to find the good?
There is a scripture verse in Romans 8:28 - 28And we know that God causes
all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who
are called according to His purpose. Sometimes things seem so black and
dark, even evil – that one can hardly even think a bit of good can come.
Yet God has the final say and will bring life from ashes. Somehow,
somewhere, good will triumph over evil and healing will come. Life may
change direction but blessing is promised.
As you consider your blessings this Thanksgiving, you might try thanking
God for the hard things too, trusting that somehow and somewhere some good
is brewing. You might be changed by life's challenges, but the Lord is
already at work planning good in one way or another – it is God's very
nature.
May you be deeply blessed and given hope as we bow in praise and
thanksgiving,
Carla Vanatta, Associate in Ministry
Salem Lutheran Church
Reminders:
· Thanksgiving Eve worship at 7 p.m. Wed. with pie fellowship after;
non-perishable foods and paper goods collected for Salem Food Pantry
· First weekend of Advent begins this Weekend; get your wreath out and
light the first candle
· Names of Avancer residents adorn a Christmas tree in the narthex. Your
simple gifts suggested on the tag will bring love and hope to a
mentally-disabled adult this December
· Mark your calendars for Salem's Christmas Cantata Dec. 11th and 12th: A
Thrill of Hope brings the hope and joy of Christmas to life with
orchestra, bells, piano, and choirs
· Salem's Sunday school Children tell the story of Jesus' birth Dec. 19th
at 10:30 worship: Love Came Down at Christmas
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