Greetings from Rev Wendell

“Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Jesus Christ that you will be enriched in every way for your great generosity which will produce thanksgiving to God.” (1Thessalonians 5:18, 2 Corinthians 9:11 RSV).

I grew up in the age of “Father Knows Best” and “Leave It to Beaver”, which we watched on a black and white television set. So, I am no spring chicken. This realization hit when I began experiencing a series of minor physical setbacks. Much to my dismay, my body is less than it once was. I remember thinking about physical decline while watching games by aging major league baseball stars.

Still, I easily recall events in American history which have made their way into classroom textbooks. 2020 has been a rough year for most of us what with the virus, economic stress, school rearrangements, professional sports at half speed with a whole new set of social recommendations – all in a national election season.

Yet, there have been other years when life seemed on the downswing. Like the year when I graduated from high school in 1968 which included riots in the streets over the Viet Nam war and a pair of assassinations. In 1863 when the country was “engaged in a great Civil War”, to help lift the mood and spirit of the people, President Lincoln declared “that the fourth Thursday of November shall be a day of national Thanksgiving.” Many folks this year may not travel far from their homes to celebrate, choosing to safeguard their health first and foremost.

No matter how these days run their course, you and I have much to praise the Lord for again, hoping much will improve in the months ahead. Enjoy the holiday in small gatherings. Take off your mask while you’re at the table.

Debbie Macomber wrote in Guideposts “Lord, no matter how much change I encounter in my life, You are my constant unchanging source of joy and strength. “