The Pastor's Peace - January, 2011
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As I write this, my roof is being shingled and I hope the roofers will complete the job soon. I have to say that I feel very sorry for them. As you will remember, December was a bad month for doing much of anything outside, let alone roofing. Giffen and Sons Construction has persevered, however, through the snow, ice, negative wind chill, and just miserable outdoor weather. At least it wasn’t hot, they told me. I think Santa will be getting them a little something extra for their stocking.
It’s really ironic how Amelia and I came to our current roofing situation. When we bought the house, we knew that we might only have a couple of years on the roof. This fall we started to get some small leaks, and I knew it was time. The contractor told me they did cold weather roofing, and that they could finish it before the end of the year. I thought to myself, “Well, the weather isn’t too bad in December; we will get a new roof before the ‘real’ winter weather hits.” Well so much for good intentions. The moment the roofers started the job, it started to snow; Murphy’s law is alive and well.
Even though I tried to do what was right, what seemed to be wise, there were unforeseen difficulties, and things didn’t quite work out as we had planned. In our case it was not a big deal; we will still have a nice roof in the end, even if my neighbors do think I’m crazy. Unfortunately, unforeseen difficulties have been much more severe for so many around us. Many have lost their jobs, homes, and health insurance; peace of mind
It’s really ironic how Amelia and I came to our current roofing situation. When we bought the house, we knew that we might only have a couple of years on the roof. This fall we started to get some small leaks, and I knew it was time. The contractor told me they did cold weather roofing, and that they could finish it before the end of the year. I thought to myself, “Well, the weather isn’t too bad in December; we will get a new roof before the ‘real’ winter weather hits.” Well so much for good intentions. The moment the roofers started the job, it started to snow; Murphy’s law is alive and well.
Even though I tried to do what was right, what seemed to be wise, there were unforeseen difficulties, and things didn’t quite work out as we had planned. In our case it was not a big deal; we will still have a nice roof in the end, even if my neighbors do think I’m crazy. Unfortunately, unforeseen difficulties have been much more severe for so many around us. Many have lost their jobs, homes, and health insurance; peace of mind
seems to be rare for almost anyone. I think it is important in times like these to remember that no one can prepare for everything and that we all share a common vulnerability to disaster.
As I have read discussions regarding those in need, I came across the occasional comment stating that people in trouble simply didn’t plan enough. Although there will always be those who are more responsible than others, to think that one is immune to misfortune is a bit delusional, to say the least. This is something that we see in the Gospel and the ministry of Christ. Jesus saw a people who all needed God’s love, with each person in need of salvation. No Pharisee was so perfect that he did not need God. Paul comments that those who have been blessed with certain gifts of the Spirit should help those less gifted.
I do not know what 2011 will have in store - hopefully something better than 2010. I hope and pray that people can find greater comfort and stability in their lives. One thing I have learned is that everything is a blessing, and nothing should be taken for granted, not even a roof. As we start this new year, I pray that we are all blessed in some way, but more important than that, I hope we are there to lend a hand, a shoulder, or an ear to each other in times of need. In this way we will love one another as Christ loved us, and there is no greater blessing than that.
Peace and Happy New Year,
Pastor Brian
As I have read discussions regarding those in need, I came across the occasional comment stating that people in trouble simply didn’t plan enough. Although there will always be those who are more responsible than others, to think that one is immune to misfortune is a bit delusional, to say the least. This is something that we see in the Gospel and the ministry of Christ. Jesus saw a people who all needed God’s love, with each person in need of salvation. No Pharisee was so perfect that he did not need God. Paul comments that those who have been blessed with certain gifts of the Spirit should help those less gifted.
I do not know what 2011 will have in store - hopefully something better than 2010. I hope and pray that people can find greater comfort and stability in their lives. One thing I have learned is that everything is a blessing, and nothing should be taken for granted, not even a roof. As we start this new year, I pray that we are all blessed in some way, but more important than that, I hope we are there to lend a hand, a shoulder, or an ear to each other in times of need. In this way we will love one another as Christ loved us, and there is no greater blessing than that.
Peace and Happy New Year,
Pastor Brian