October letter

Dear Friends in Christ,

Yesterday my husband and I loaded bread and other food into the car and headed out across Nevada to deliver it to a food pantry in another town.  The drive took us through country that many people might describe as empty. But it isn’t.  On or behind every hill there are train stations, a scattering of ranches, old but still functioning, schools that have outlived the communities that built them. Every hill has a story. Every abandoned building once held hopes and dreams. Every ranch represents generations of labor and sacrifice. What appears empty at first glance is full of history.

As we drove, I found myself thinking that people are often much the same way. We sometimes look at a person and see only what is on the surface:  An elderly neighbor. A quiet church member. A struggling family. A small congregation. A lonely person sitting all alone. But every person carries a story. Every person has known joys and sorrows, victories and losses, dreams fulfilled and dreams deferred.

Within the heart and life of every individual is something of beauty that only God can see.  It could be honesty, perseverance, courage, kindness  -  something that he or she has used for the good of self, others or God but isn’t recognized by others. 

In Samuel 16:7 we read  "The Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."  God invites us to see possibilities where others see limitations, to see stories where others see empty spaces, and to see value where others overlook it. And sometimes, if we look carefully enough, we discover that what appeared empty was full all along.

Two things:  First, remember that what you did that was smart, good, clever persistent, courageous, or kind is seen and celebrated by God even if no one else notices it.  Second, notice other people, and comment on the good things you see in them. If you intend to do this, you will be able to see them because the Spirit living in you will give you a little nudge. 

This week enjoy your time with Jesus.  He so loves to be with you and is delighting in your growth.

Yours in God’s love, Pastor Judi