September 2016

Like most families, we have taken turns helping each other out by watching each other’s kids, pets, or houses over the years. As time passed us, it was expanded to include helping care for the senior members of our clan. Lately, such help has been primarily pet sitting. Either we stay at a relative’s house to sit their pets, when having them in our home is not practical or a relative drops off a pet on the way somewhere. 
This past year we have watched Pam’s sisters dog on a regular basis. Because of this little rascal, I have considered putting up a sign along the back of the house to in-form our neighbors, that look down on our house, that my wife has not lost her mind nor is she angry with the little guy. You see, that cute Yorkie is so old he is going deaf. In his house, he has never been allowed to be outside without a leash, but at our house he can run in the backyard free and he loves it. When it is time to call him in, however, because of his deafness, you will find Pam calling his name pretty loudly and slapping the side of the house to get his attention. I can’t help but think that a neighbor looking down would wonder “what in the world…?” Or, “why is that lady yelling at that cute little guy?” The reason why I thought of Stuart (the Yorkie) as I sat down to write this month’s entry in the newsletter is that Deaf Dog Awareness Week begins on the 18th. I wasn’t aware of such an observance until a deaf dog came into our lives, so now I am sharing it with you so you will not linger in the ignorance I wallowed in for so many years. 
Another observance in September, one I am sure you are aware of is Labor Day. Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperi-ty, and well-being of our country. I thought of this day as I pondered the many church members who have contributed over the last year to projects and events here at SLCC and I believe everyone here also needs to hear that we celebrate your dedication, your hard work and achievements reached in the last twelve months. Good job! That being said, I recall the piece of wisdom someone shared with me that the reward for doing a good job was to be given more work. If you recall the words to the song “work your fingers to the bone and what do you get...bony fingers.” The wonderful thing of working for God’s church is that the work is never done. In fact, it will not be done until Jesus comes back for His bride the church. Paul writes to all of us in 1 Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” (ESV) This year as we celebrate La-bor Day, let us also celebrate the labor we have accomplished over the last twelve months at SLCC. Once we are done celebrating, let’s roll up our sleeves and get back to it be-cause the work is not finished. 
Have a blessed September, 
Vic