Blessings Abound
Every once in a while I get to brag a bit. Let me brag about you for a few moments. Last year at this time we were feeling rather beat up. 2010 had ended poorly for virtually every non-profit we surveyed and we were no exception. Entering 2011 was a real leap of faith, and we did so with a feeling of optimism and an abiding trust in God.
Well, 2011 turned into an amazing year for our congregation. Intentional belt tightening and a postive spiritual posture brought generosity beyond our expectations. Such is the joy of giving our future not to our own best plans but to God's amazing grace. So many stood up to so much, from special dinners to renewed Bible studies and the spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ was felt each and every day. It is such a thrill to stand before you and remind myself of the energy and faith you bring to our shared ministry.
This month we have much to be thankful for. Valentines Day is more than an excuse to spend money on flowers and candy, it's a reminder that Jesus taught us the greatest commandment is to love God with all our hearts, minds, and strength and to love each other as well. February brings two more blessings, Ash Wednesday is February 22nd. We will enter the season of Lent, six weeks of preparation and anticipation of Holy Week and Easter, the very center of our faith in a risen Lord present in all we do and are. And, along the way even more blessings will abound among us.
To be blessed is to be reminded of the challenge and opportunity of our faith. To be moved to the point of saying, "Here I am, Lord!" Fill me and use me as you will. Perhaps one of the most blessed experiences I had last year was the confidence of leaving our pulpit for an entire month. August was such an amazing time of rest, relaxation and awe as we traveled the roads that led us to Montana and Canada, a trip Cathy and I had dreamed of for years. This year we will spend time at college graduation and Air Force COmmissioning with our son, Kevin.
As we enter this new year filled with new adventures and opportunities, I wonder just what the Lord has in store for us. Will we be called upon to embark upon a new mission? Remember when we stepped out in faith and took a chance with the Helping Hands Thrift Shop? What a blessing that has been. What's next? Perhaps we might take a team to Korea to strengthen our ties with our sister congregation there. Maybe we will find some need that no one knows how to fill and step out once again into the unkown with only our Lord beside us. In a world that seems so timid and set in its ways maybe we need some new dreams and visions.
Oh yes, before I forget, the blessings of February is that this is leap year! What are we going to do with that extra day? More blessings!!!
Grace & Peace, Pete
