Pastor's Message
September 2023
This morning, on the way home from the dentist, I saw the first signs of autumn. One of the trees by the red barn on Route 430 had a few leaves that had turned color. I know the time is coming, but I was shocked nonetheless.
There are children (and parents!) who are looking forward to the start of school. And there are some who are dreading it.
While some people anchor themselves in the future, missing out on the wonderful things happening before them in the present, others are so set on the wonders of the past that it's all they can think of. No matter the issue, the past was better—or was it?
We need to live with an awareness of our past to know who we are while looking toward the future. Yet, being aware and attentive to the present is essential to living life to the fullest.
Jesus was concerned about the present. In Luke's gospel, he tells the crowd, "When you see a cloud rising in the west, you immediately say, 'It is going to rain,' and so it happens. 55 And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, 'There will be scorching heat,' and it happens. 56 You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?” (Luke 12:54-56).
We have to plan ahead to be ready for daily living. Schoolchildren need new clothes and shoes. They must have books and other supplies too. And yet…what does this have to do with us? Our children are grown, as are our grandchildren. We don't even consider the first day of school! Whatever our daily lives might look like, let us live in appreciation of the gifts of God for each new day.
What does God's word say about the present? Psalm 95:7 says, “For he is our God,
and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand. O that today you would listen to his voice!” In the Lord's Prayer, we pray, “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). We do not pray for bread for tomorrow or next week, but for today. Also, from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today's trouble is enough for today" (Matthew 6:34).
In our relationship with God, God wants us to have an awareness of him every day. Be still long enough to hear God's voice, to know God's presence through a neighbor or friend, or to read scripture. Make time for God a habit in your life. If you don't, it won't happen. As James says, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you” (James 4:8).
What does God have in store for us this year individually and as the people of God at St. Timothy? Some things we know, while others we do not. I am personally looking forward to the September 10 church picnic. I think it will be a lot of fun and a great time to reconnect with those we haven't seen in a while. Let us take a look at what else will happen in the coming year and embrace it to the fullest. God is good all of the time. All of the time God is good.