Grace Notes, May 29

Grace Notes May 29, 2012

"I love being here." That phrase, nicely painted on a decorative sign, has
found its way from a recent garage sale to its new home at our house.
Deciding where to hang it was a challenge. There are so many places it
would fit. Our camping trailer…we love being there. Our back yard…we've
been enjoying our morning tea and quiet time outdoors this week. Where
would you choose to hang a sign saying "I love being here?" We finally
placed it on our porch, where we start and finish most of our days,
weather allowing.

"I love being here." Any place can be "here." In fact, every place is
"here." At this very moment you are somewhere…that somewhere is "here" for
you right now. "Here" may be your home or a favorite get-away spot. Or
"here" might be a place along the highway where you spend a few minutes
waiting for a construction zone. I remember such a stop on our trip to
Holden Village a few years ago. As we followed I-90 around a mountain
curve we came to a stop. It turned into a long wait as heavy machinery was
being repositioned and all traffic had to stand still. It was many miles
from any towns. But being forced to be there, we had time to begin to see
the beauty of the place. A valley to the left…the mountain to our right…a
few trees managing to hang on to the slope. If not for that road work, we
never would have noticed. But this place was just as beautiful and
God-created as any other. For the moment, I actually could "love being
there."
God made the world and everything in it. And it is wonderful. Now, to be
sure, human nature and sin have caused some situations that are, well,
less than loveable. But God is with us even in those places. Even if the
only pleasant thing you can find about a place is how much it makes you
appreciate another one. If we are open to his gift, God will give peace
and contentment even there. Carla and I marvel at how my Mom has learned
peace and contentment now that she lives at a care center. She wouldn't
have chosen to need that care, but when it has become necessary she is
accepting it. Usually smiling, she doesn't complain and seems to "love
being here."

The sign has found a home, at least for the present, above the doorway
leading from our porch get-away back into the main house. It certainly
speaks my special appreciation for that specific place. Perhaps I can also
carry its message with me as I leave that place each day, as a reminder to
thank God and appreciate every "here" that I will be in today.

Ron Vanatta

This Sunday Salem graduates will be blessed and honored at the 9:15 coffee
time and during the 10:30 worship service.

Sign up for the Thursday evening study group each week in June. Pastor Rob
will lead a discussion of the book "The Shack." Time is 5 to 6:30. Place
is fellowship hall. Bring your own supper. We'll eat at 5, then start the
study at 5:30.

Market Day sales will benefit Salem Food Pantry in June, July and August.
Call or visit Salem's office to get an order sheet.