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Cal's Pastoral Epistles
Blessings at the Family Table
November 24, 2007
Thanksgiving Day was still hours away but I could already tell that that
this was going to be my best Thanksgiving ever. The appetizer for my
feast was a two day trip to Elizabethtown, Kentucky to be with my parents
and two brothers. I surprised them and showed up on their doorstep on
Tuesday afternoon. It is the first time that we have all been together in
eleven years. It may very well be the last time. You see mom has cancer
and the doctors have not given her long to live.
For two days we joked, reminisced, got caught up and ate together. We
shared pictures and told stories. My youngest brother lives in E-town. He
moved there in 1998 and bought a house across town from my parents.
This was a tough holiday for him but our presence made it better. Let me
explain. He received a blow just over a month ago when his wife told him
she was leaving him for another man. He was still reeling a bit and wasn't
looking forward to the holiday.
We had a chance to chat about how unfair life can be at times. I got to tell
him about the strength that my faith gives me and how it could help him
and the boys too. I reminded him that dad was put in a similar situation
thirty five years ago. He turned to the church and found what he needed to
raise two boys by himself. He also found that God answered prayers and
introduced him to the woman who became our mother.
My middle brother lives in Des Moines, IA. He is a truck driver. Well, he
was a truck driver. About three months ago he had an accident and
although he came away with only minor injuries, it really messed up his
head. He's out on disability right now but he is having a hard time thinking
about going back. It has put a tremendous financial strain on him and his
family. He doesn't know what tomorrow will bring. For a couple of days
we got to talk about the future and even how faith plays into everything.
Even without my prodding he was seeing his situation as an opportunity,
an open window which could turn out to be a blessing.
My mom had two good days and we had a big family dinner on
Wednesday. Meanwhile I got to talk with both of my parents separately.
We talked about faith and sickness and how my brothers were doing. We
also had some laughs over some stories from the past. Most importantly I
got a chance to thank them both for all they have done and tell them how
much I loved them.
It struck me that although this could have been a difficult Thanksgiving, it
turned out to be a blessed one. No matter what the world was doing to the
family, we were strengthened by being together. I thank God for that. I
was also reminded that we often call the church a family. I think God
intended that. He gave us our friends in the church community to give us
strength and encouragement for those difficult moments. We all have
problems. God wants us to know that we are never alone. He is always
with us and sometimes he even sends family.
Happy Thanksgiving! God bless. See you in church. Cal
November 24, 2007
Thanksgiving Day was still hours away but I could already tell that that
this was going to be my best Thanksgiving ever. The appetizer for my
feast was a two day trip to Elizabethtown, Kentucky to be with my parents
and two brothers. I surprised them and showed up on their doorstep on
Tuesday afternoon. It is the first time that we have all been together in
eleven years. It may very well be the last time. You see mom has cancer
and the doctors have not given her long to live.
For two days we joked, reminisced, got caught up and ate together. We
shared pictures and told stories. My youngest brother lives in E-town. He
moved there in 1998 and bought a house across town from my parents.
This was a tough holiday for him but our presence made it better. Let me
explain. He received a blow just over a month ago when his wife told him
she was leaving him for another man. He was still reeling a bit and wasn't
looking forward to the holiday.
We had a chance to chat about how unfair life can be at times. I got to tell
him about the strength that my faith gives me and how it could help him
and the boys too. I reminded him that dad was put in a similar situation
thirty five years ago. He turned to the church and found what he needed to
raise two boys by himself. He also found that God answered prayers and
introduced him to the woman who became our mother.
My middle brother lives in Des Moines, IA. He is a truck driver. Well, he
was a truck driver. About three months ago he had an accident and
although he came away with only minor injuries, it really messed up his
head. He's out on disability right now but he is having a hard time thinking
about going back. It has put a tremendous financial strain on him and his
family. He doesn't know what tomorrow will bring. For a couple of days
we got to talk about the future and even how faith plays into everything.
Even without my prodding he was seeing his situation as an opportunity,
an open window which could turn out to be a blessing.
My mom had two good days and we had a big family dinner on
Wednesday. Meanwhile I got to talk with both of my parents separately.
We talked about faith and sickness and how my brothers were doing. We
also had some laughs over some stories from the past. Most importantly I
got a chance to thank them both for all they have done and tell them how
much I loved them.
It struck me that although this could have been a difficult Thanksgiving, it
turned out to be a blessed one. No matter what the world was doing to the
family, we were strengthened by being together. I thank God for that. I
was also reminded that we often call the church a family. I think God
intended that. He gave us our friends in the church community to give us
strength and encouragement for those difficult moments. We all have
problems. God wants us to know that we are never alone. He is always
with us and sometimes he even sends family.
Happy Thanksgiving! God bless. See you in church. Cal
Pastor Cal Lord writes these weekly epistles to
help us see God in every day things.
help us see God in every day things.
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