FROM PASTOR MIKE’S DESK:

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

A wise man once told me … “Cut toward your buddy, never bloody.”

Well, as many of you know … I didn’t listen to that advice. About the middle of August, I was cutting the bottom of a bucket off because no matter how hard Jessica and I tried, we couldn’t get the lid off. Well, everything was going great till I got around to the end of the bucket. The razor blade knife cut through last part of the bucket … and then it continued to my left thumb.

I didn’t think the cut was all that bad, but when Jessica saw my thumb, she instantly said that I was going to go the emergency room. Again, in my manly way, I insisted it wasn’t that bad. She gave me that look … guys, you know that look … that look like you better do what I say. So reluctantly I went to the hospital. Honestly it was a good thing I went in and listened to my wife.  The cut was about an inch to inch and a half long. It took a total of four stiches to close up.

I never realized it, but it’s amazing how much one uses their left thumb when their right handed. The first thing I noticed I couldn’t do and had to figure out was taking out my contacts. Usually I pull them down my eye and then pinch them with my index finger and my thumb. Kind of hard to remove your contact when your thumb is wrapped up in gauze. Needless to say I figured it out.

As I deal with my thumb and the limited mobility till it is totally healed up … I couldn’t help but think about church. As we get into a busy season of the year with new classes and Bible Studies starting … things like GriefShare, LifeLight, Men’s Bible Breakfast on Saturday morning, Ladies Circle, Confirmation, and youth activities. With these different events starting up … I look at my schedule and can’t help but wonder … how am I going to get done everything I need to. It’s a lot like trying to do things with a bandaged thumb.

While we continue to wait for another pastor … which will help greatly … I was still drawn to Galatians 6.  In verses 9-10 Paul says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

It’s easy to look at everything which is going on and wonder “how is it all going to get done?” It’s easy to become weary and settle for just doing enough to get by, to just coast till a new pastor arrives. But that isn’t what Paul is saying.

“For at the proper time.” God has a plan and as hard as it is to want things done on our timeline … we have to be patient and acknowledge that when the time is right, God will provide for us what and who we need.

But this doesn’t mean that we sit idly by either. “We will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” If we do not give up … to me this means we keep working, we keep trying to be who it is God wants us to be here in this place.

“Therefore” … that’s an important word for Paul. He’s basically saying, “I really want you to pay close attention to what I say next.” So what does he say? “as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Opportunities to serve are always available. What really stood out for me though is when Paul says, “let us.” This isn’t a one-person job but instead a group effort. With my thumb wrapped up, I’ve humbly had to ask Jessica to help me do some things I would normally do on my own.

As I look at my thumb and think about church … I’m realizing more and more the benefit of having people around to help with things. I will admit, I am not good at asking for help. I try my best to do everything on my own. But God has not called us to work alone but together. Together as brothers and sisters in Christ, as a family.

While we continue to wait for God to reveal His plan for us … let us not become weary, but may we push forward knowing that God is with us now and that He will provide for us what we need at just the right moment.

God’s Blessings,

Pastor Mike