I have learned a lot from you who must weather the storms of life.  I marvel at you for being strong in the face of adversity and for not giving up.  I honor you for not only surviving but also thriving, for not letting life’s hardship bog you down. Week after week you still come to church and worship the Lord and fellowship with brothers and sisters with smiles on your faces.  I know you do not pretend; I know that’s your authentic joy and peace.  I know that it’s not you but God who has given you strength to ride on the waves of life.  As Friedrich Nietzche, the nineteenth-century German philosopher insightfully noted, “He whose life has a why can bear almost any how.” We, who know the reason why we are here on earth and the purpose for our existence, can deal with almost any situation.

It’s easier to find meaning and purpose while we are still young and productive than when we are past retirement age.  When we were young, we had a lot to think about and do, but not so after we got to be older.  We have little to think about and do; consequently, every day becomes the same day. No wonder, we sometimes forget what day is today because yesterday was like today and tomorrow will be like today.  Hence, I applaud you who congregate after our Bible Study for yogurt and fill your week with various activities and visit our fellow life’s travelers who’re in need of prayer and support.

In his book, 12 Rules for Life, Jordan B. Peterson advises us that we must determine where we are going in life because we cannot get there unless we move in that direction. I believe you’ve done that!  You have made up your mind that you want to grow in knowing the Bible and grow in the grace of our Lord Jesus.  You do not want to let life pass before you; instead, you want to row your boat and fill your days with joy.   As Proverbs 15:24 says, “The way of life winds upward for the wise, that he may turn away from hell below.”

Pastor Paul