June 2008
It’s hard to believe that just a few short months ago we were shoveling snow and wondering when the warmer days of summer would arrive. Well, here we are at the threshold of summer; it may not be as warm as some would like, but at least we are out of the house and enjoying the blessings that we have here in southern Michigan. Even as bad as our economic situation may seem, Michigan is still a wonderful place to be in these summer months.
Now, graduation is upon us once again. Years of study culminating in celebration and much deserved recognition of a job well done. To all of our High School and College graduates I extend my heartfelt congratulations and prayers for your future. You all have reached an important milestone in your lives and come to an important place of transition in your life journeys. Make the most of the opportunities that are before you. And make your life decisions with regard for the future and not just for today. Listen to the voice of wisdom that is all around you; those who have walked down the path you’re on before you.
I’m amazed by how busy life becomes this time of year, not only with graduation activates, but also with sports and holidays and vacations while school is out for the summer and everything else that competes for our time including our worship and ministry responsibilities. With all that’s going on it’s easy to become overworked, overwhelmed, burned out and discouraged. It’s easy to get frustrated and begin to think that we’re not getting anywhere; that nothing is working the way we think it should and we just want to give up. Pastors feel that way too; at times.
But what fascinates me is that when things seem like they couldn’t get much worse – when we’re at the end of our rope and ready to quit; something unexpected happens – something that without question is a God Thing – like a word of reassurance or an act of kindness. What happens is that we are encouraged. We find new hope and the strength to go on; to continue our work with renewed energy and passion. The Apostle Paul talked about encouragement at least 30 times in his letters to the Christian communities. He knew that ministry and life in general could sometimes be overwhelming and he knew the importance of an encouraging word.
We all could use some encouragement at times and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for the work that you have done for our community, the church and the advancement of God’s Kingdom. I truly appreciate all that you do. No job or ministry is insignificant; all are important in their own way and bare eternal significance. I would encourage you to encourage one another; to pray for one another and to help one another as we all work toward the goal set before us by our Lord – remember that a shared load is a lightened load.
I end with Paul’s words from Romans 15:5-6: May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Grace and Peace…
Grace and Peace, The Rev. Rob Hughes
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O For A Thousand Tongues To Sing