What amazing peace is contained within the promise that God is watching over my coming in and going out. I seem to be doing a lot of each lately. I am either coming from a day that includes a visit to the hospital where a friend lies ill, a conversation with a friend facing one of life's real challenges, or attending another beloved's funeral visitation. Or I am going out to lead worship, preside at a baptism or enjoy an encounter with some of our young people

I am certain you have quite a “going out and coming in” list as well. Our days are filled with stimulating work, driving from one child's event to the next, to school or church. We return home to eat a hurried supper and to share precious time with the family.

Given but a few fleeting thoughts, God lovingly keeps watchful vigil over you and I! How many times have you caught yourself praying on the run, “God bless this mess and confusion that I call a life?” “God, thank you for what you are doing in the world around me.” “God, be with my friend. They need you badly.” And God is and does! He fills your life with multiple opportunities. The dawn of each new day attests to his kindness, love and patience. God is presently working overtime to help the human community to achieve peace. (Have you ever tried to bring peace to your children's quarrel?) He is with the family of a loved one who is dying. He sees the baby's first step. He hears the prayer of his child who cried last night. He gives rich blessings so you may share with your brothers and sisters. His vision is that all may eat and be filled.

All this rushing results in a long list of accomplishments but an ensuing emptiness of th econtemporary soul. Like the wolf in the wilderness, loneliness shadows the footsteps of our life. A dear friend whose loved one has died openly wonders how to face the holidays. The pain of the beloved's passing is as fresh and pungent as the morning's coffee.

How good to know that God is with us in the power of the Holy Spirit. God's hovering love is watching over us. God is aware of our loss and emptiness. As we have walked beneath the stinging pain of the cross that each of us must bear, God uses our pain to open once tearing eyes to the real needs of those around us. Our pain, hurt, the difficulties of the journy, the joy of small victories become great teachers so we can turn now in Jesus' name and address the hurts and needs of God's world. We can become little Christs to one another.

If you are having trouble coming up with something for which to give thanks during your Thanksgiving repose, read the last line of Psalm 121. Rest assured, God is watching over you. “He's got the whole world in his hands!”

Happy Thanksgiving!

In His love,
Pastor Dave

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