November

Imagine the following scenario: Ring! Ring! {Phone ringing in heaven when a prayer comes in} and getting the following message: “Hi, this is God, I am sorry I can’t take your prayer right now, but (insert favorite team here) is playing and I can’t attend to you. However, if you leave your name and request, I will get to it as soon as the game is over. And before you get upset with me, remember that during the off season, I have been very faithful.” Sounds pretty silly, doesn’t it? 

We rest in the knowledge that could never happen because we serve a God that is faithful to His promises and loves us. God never takes us for granted. Can we say the same? 

I admit to being tempted to stay home when a game I really want to watch is on. The same temptation can hit on the opening day of hunting or fishing season. I admit it may be easier for me to fight the temptation because it doesn’t look good when the preacher misses church due to a game or opening day of fishing season. 

However, I am also constantly challenged to stay mindful of the many blessings God rains down on a daily basis. Every day I wake up means I am alive. Every day I am able to get out of bed is another day of mobility. Every day I am able to kiss my wife and hear “I love you” is another day of married bliss. Every day I am able to walk into my office is another day of being allowed to pastor some wonderful people. The list could go on and on. How about you guys? Do those hiccups of life that interrupt your day cause you to forget the many things God has given you? 

In November, we take the time to celebrate a great holiday in which many of us gather at a table surrounded by friends and family and share God’s bountiful gifts. I would encourage you to be mindful of two things. One is not to take such a day for granted because there are many who are not able to experience such wonderful blessings. The other is to strive to be as thankful all year long, not only on one special Thursday a year. We serve a mighty and wondrous God who loves us and cares for us all year long. Let’s be thankful all the time because as the saying goes: “God is good all the time and all the time God is good.” May you have a blessed November. 

Vic