This month’s article may be a bit different because I’m just going to share some random thoughts I had when I came across my first sighting of Christmas decorations in a store on September 12 before I even saw any leaves changing color on the trees. I hope you don’t mind.
I was reminded of how fast time goes by. It seems like only yesterday that… You fill in the blank. We keep looking forward to the next big event on our calendar, which is probably better than wallowing in the past, but it’s as if we wish our lives away. God would have us make the most out of every day.
A Bible lesson that reminds me of this comes from 1 Peter 4:7-11. “The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do it so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
Each day God gives us is to be lived fully to the glory of God. It’s an opportunity to love, serve, and be generous with all that God has entrust to us—our time, talents, and treasures.
Yet, we don’t need to worry that time seems short, because as followers of Christ we literally have eternity. Through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection we are assured that after death, we will be raised to everlasting life and spend eternity in the very presence of God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
So rather than grumble that the stores are already pushing Christmas, let’s celebrate life today and forever.
Blessings,
Pastor Anne