Sunday, October 13, 2002 |
Is it Thanksgiving yet? By REV. DR. KNOX
HERNDON
There is a wonderful Lady in our church named Myrna that sends me these e-mails that always seem to come when I need them the most. It is so easy for us to get into the negative mode. In fact, just this morning I opened my eyes, but was only semi-awake. As the shepherd of a flock, I was thinking of some of the problems of our flock and said something to my wife that focused on one of the problems of one of the sheep. She responded with, "And I guess you could have done better under the circumstances?" Probably not. Normally each morning when I wake up, the very first thing I do is say "This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it." Now that is the way to start the day. I am going to add to that, "And help me to be salt and light to someone today in the name of Jesus." I will try to do better if you will too. The following e-mail I received says a lot. I am thankful for the wife who says, "It's hot dogs tonight," because she is home with me, not with someone else. For the husband who is on the sofa being a couch potato, because he is home with me and not out at the bars. For the teenager who is complaining about doing dishes because that means she is at home, not on the streets. For the taxes that I pay because it means that I am employed. For the mess to clean after a party because it means that I have been surrounded by friends. For the clothes that fit a little too snug because it means I have enough to eat. For my shadow that watches me work because it means I am out in the sunshine. For a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing because it means I have a home. For all the complaining I hear about the government because it means that we have freedom of speech. For the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot because it means I am capable of walking and that I have been blessed with transportation. For my huge heating bill because it means I am warm. For the lady behind me in church who sings off-key because it means that I can hear. For the pile of laundry and ironing because it means I have clothes to wear. For weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day because it means I have been capable of working hard. For the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours because it means that I am alive. And finally, for too much e-mail because it means I have friends who are thinking of me. "Heavenly Father, forgive me as a pastor for failing to forgive and to highlight the faults of others." This a trap of the enemy of our souls. May we wake up each day and retire each day with Thanksgiving of your blessings on our mind and on our lips! The Rev. Dr. Knox Herndon is pastor of His House Community Church (SBC). The Rev. Greg Mausz is senior associate pastor. The Rev. Dr. Lydia Herndon is the Sunday School superintendent, Bible study coordinator and teacher. The church is just below Fayetteville, on Ga. Highway 85, a mile south of Ga. Highway 16, just below the fire station. Visitors welcome. Church office and prayer line 770-719-2365; e-mail KHERN2365@aol.com. The church's new Web site is www.hishousecommunitychurch.com.
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