November 2021

Can you believe it is November already? It seems as if November came immediately after the longest summer ever. And, well, now Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day and commotion, expectations, and stress!

Oops, I am getting ahead of myself.

Isn’t it funny how time seems to move in fits and starts? Just last weekend (which was BEFORE Halloween) at our family dinner, Harmony, grandchild #7, attempted to convince the whole family to begin decorating for Christmas. In a unified voice, we protested and collectively agreed that the “proper” time for Christmas decorating is the day AFTER Thanksgiving – Right?!?!!!!

The next day, as my dog, Finley and I took our evening walk, our neighborhood association’s lights and decorations were up in full force.

So much for waiting until after Thanksgiving . . . They clearly agree with Harmony.

I am not sure if I understand the fluidity of holidays anymore. Maybe, at some emotional level, we all just NEED an early Christmas, or is it that we are simply impatient? I don’t know.

I could get caught up in all the mess about whether the retailers are prompting us to buy early and therefore more, or maybe it’s the economists telling us to prepare for supply chain shortages, or maybe, just maybe, this is all of us admitting the last couple of years have been REALLY difficult and we are more than ready for some good cheer. I don’t know.

But, hey, what I do know is no matter what time of year, every one of us has a lot in which to be grateful and we need to stop and give thanks.

Yep. Even those of us who have had a really BAD year, or two, or three . . .

Why?

Because God is still God. He is still on the throne. He is GOOD. He cares. He is all-powerful. He is all-knowing. He is Lord and Savior. And He loves us.

As Tom struggled more and more with his health, he resonated more and more with Psalm 23 – not about dying - but rather about God’s complexity, blessings, and assurances, which are written beautifully in this wonderful psalm. Tom loved to teach Psalm 23 because it is filled with the promises of God’s abundance of love, peace, and provision.

You see, we don’t need a new sweater, more lights for the tree, or even an early Christmas.

We need Jesus.

As Tom used to say, “We study the Word of God to know the God of the Word.” Please take time today – maybe right now – to get to know the God of the Word.

He is ALL you need.

Here is a link to Tom’s teaching on Psalm 23 at Redemption Gateway. “Pray to the God Who is Your Shepherd (Psalm 23)” on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/172350807?ref=em-share

I hope as you and your family sit down for your Thanksgiving meal later this month, you’ll thank God for all He has given you. His blessings are abundant. He cares deeply and He unconditionally loves His children.

And, give a wink to Tom as we celebrate his earthly birthday on November 29. I bet Tom will be having quite the football feast in heaven with Jesus!

Go Hawks!