Thoughts from Virginia Sept 2018

    August weather kind of came under the heading of ditto from July.  Lots of rain; and when it wasn’t raining, hot and humid.  Supposedly, with the arrival of September, summer is now over.  This year, many have felt they were cheated out of precious time for getting out and grilling or indulging in the fun activities that go along with sunny, warm “typical” summer weather.
    For many of us, however, the nicest weather of the year occurs in the less humid days of autumn.  Yes, the days are getting shorter; but the air is crisp, and we’re about to receive a visual treat courtesy of the annual foliage show.
    Much is made of what we miss in our lives when we are disappointed.  We live in an “Entitlement Society” in which we feel cheated if we don’t get everything we dream about.  Too many have lost sight of the difference between wants and needs.  Too many have failed to count their blessings, which are so often so abundant.
    As Christians, we should be in the forefront of speaking with gratitude for each day’s needs provided.  And who among us cannot praise the Lord for the blessings that go beyond the needs?  Even in our disappointments, few can deny that there is a silver lining to those clouds.  The other path that we may be forced to take can lead to wholly different friendships … new perspectives … never thought-of opportunities.
    As we enter this new season, we would ask you to be alert to all that is good in this world … there is much that is evil; to appreciate all that provides personal pleasures … there will be disappointments; to be able to recognize opportunities to be a blessing … we all will miss chances to help as seen in retrospect.
    September will be busy – school events, home project completions, church activities.  We invite you, once in a while, to take time to slow down, survey all that surrounds you – nature, … friends, … all that brings a sense of comfort, security, joy and peace.  And, in those moments of recognition, sing praises to God for His loving abundance showered upon us.                                     Virginia                                                                                              The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; Slow to anger, and of great mercy. The Lord is good to all: And his tender mercies are over all his works. All thy works shall praise thee, O Lord; And thy saints shall bless thee.                                                               Psalm 145:8-10