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Cal's Pastoral Epistles
"You Can Still Get On The Bus"
December 18, 2008
I have to confess that I was caught up in buzz of the Extreme Home
Makeover Project that took our region by storm earlier this month. It was
such an amazing display of heartfelt love and mutual cooperation that it
became infectious. The joy and excitement seemed to spread faster than the
common cold. When my friend, Michelle, asked me if I would like to help
out I said "Yes" so fast she had to check her ears for frostbite.
I was slated to help out on Wednesday. I patiently waded through the days.
I knew several others who took shifts. I listened as they talked about the
experience - working through the night, fighting the cold, the rain, the
exhaustion and coming away feeling like they had been a part of something
very unique and special. One person told me that it was a once in a lifetime
experience.
On Tuesday night I went to bed as excited as a kid on Christmas Eve. On
Wednesday morning I woke up with the flu. I could not even get out of
bed. My stomach was churning, my legs were weak, my head ached. I felt
like I had been run over by a Mack truck. At about 2:00 p.m. I realized that
my opportunity to be a part of this very special moment in the history of
our community was slipping away.
On Sunday afternoon I looked through the newspapers from the previous
week. I read the articles about the Makeover. It was a Christmas Miracle
and I missed it. I couldn't help feeling a little sorry for myself. "Why did I
have to get sick?" I thought to myself, "If my friend was right, I might
never have an opportunity like this again." Almost as if God was reading
my thoughts, I turned the page on Friday's paper and noticed an article
about the dedication of three Habitat for Humanity houses just north of here.
I had to laugh. God had a message for me.
You see there is no such thing as a missed opportunity when it comes to
serving others. God feeds us a steady supply of situations and
circumstances where we can step up to help in the same way we did for
the Girard family. They may not come with movie cameras and famous
hosts but they will come with the chance to share your love and make a
difference in someone's life.
If you want to give a gift that lasts this Christmas, don't go looking for the
bright lights and large crowds. Look for a need and fill it. Shovel an elderly
neighbor's sidewalk. Bring a hot meal to a mom and dad with a newborn.
Bring a batch of cookies to the family next door. Help serve dinner at the
local soup kitchen. Don't just think about it. Do it and you will be amazed at
what you have been a part of when the bus of inactivity rolls out of the way.
God bless. Merry Christmas. See you in Church. Cal.
December 18, 2008
I have to confess that I was caught up in buzz of the Extreme Home
Makeover Project that took our region by storm earlier this month. It was
such an amazing display of heartfelt love and mutual cooperation that it
became infectious. The joy and excitement seemed to spread faster than the
common cold. When my friend, Michelle, asked me if I would like to help
out I said "Yes" so fast she had to check her ears for frostbite.
I was slated to help out on Wednesday. I patiently waded through the days.
I knew several others who took shifts. I listened as they talked about the
experience - working through the night, fighting the cold, the rain, the
exhaustion and coming away feeling like they had been a part of something
very unique and special. One person told me that it was a once in a lifetime
experience.
On Tuesday night I went to bed as excited as a kid on Christmas Eve. On
Wednesday morning I woke up with the flu. I could not even get out of
bed. My stomach was churning, my legs were weak, my head ached. I felt
like I had been run over by a Mack truck. At about 2:00 p.m. I realized that
my opportunity to be a part of this very special moment in the history of
our community was slipping away.
On Sunday afternoon I looked through the newspapers from the previous
week. I read the articles about the Makeover. It was a Christmas Miracle
and I missed it. I couldn't help feeling a little sorry for myself. "Why did I
have to get sick?" I thought to myself, "If my friend was right, I might
never have an opportunity like this again." Almost as if God was reading
my thoughts, I turned the page on Friday's paper and noticed an article
about the dedication of three Habitat for Humanity houses just north of here.
I had to laugh. God had a message for me.
You see there is no such thing as a missed opportunity when it comes to
serving others. God feeds us a steady supply of situations and
circumstances where we can step up to help in the same way we did for
the Girard family. They may not come with movie cameras and famous
hosts but they will come with the chance to share your love and make a
difference in someone's life.
If you want to give a gift that lasts this Christmas, don't go looking for the
bright lights and large crowds. Look for a need and fill it. Shovel an elderly
neighbor's sidewalk. Bring a hot meal to a mom and dad with a newborn.
Bring a batch of cookies to the family next door. Help serve dinner at the
local soup kitchen. Don't just think about it. Do it and you will be amazed at
what you have been a part of when the bus of inactivity rolls out of the way.
God bless. Merry Christmas. 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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