RANDOM MUSINGS FROM THE REV…
This week’s musing comes to us from Goran Andersson, a Swedish Lutheran pastor from Kåfalla Herrgård, Sweden.
As I look out the window from where I sit, I see deep snow covering the ground.
Everything is white and beautiful, and the whole of nature seems to be in deep peace.
But I know what the garden looked like a few months ago, and I know that the white flakes have covered fallen brown leaves, withered grass and plants.
It’s all there, but it won’t be seen now as long as winter lasts.
The winter may seem unpleasant to many, but frost and snow in our country (Sweden) are an indispensable part of life.
Without winter, spring and summer wouldn’t be what they are.
There are seasons in our lives too.
And we often have difficulties in understanding why they are there.
Why do we have to pass through winters with barren branches and frozen ground, times without flowers and fruit, without singing and joy? Why?
It’s good to learn from the way nature works, because He who created us also created nature, and through His works we can better understand Him, and His ways.
Winter may seem a time of death, but in reality it’s a time of rest.
When harvest is over, trees aren’t ready to bear new fruit immediately.
They need a rest, and winter gives them time to do that.
Many of us get so easily caught up in a treadmill of producing all the time.
‘God can’t be satisfied with me if I don’t produce anything for Him, can He?’ is the way we think.
But in His grace God allows a winter season in our lives, to give us rest.
He doesn’t expect us to bear fruit when it’s winter, and we would do well if we could learn not to expect fruit when we should be having a rest.
When you inwardly go through a time of winter, you may well withdraw from many expressions of life, but that doesn’t mean your spirit is dying.
It only means that for a time you are resting, and preparing for a new season, a season of flowers and growth.
God takes you aside to prepare you for what is to come, and without that thorough preparation, you won’t be ready for a new season!
So, if you’re in a winter season in your life right now, it’s not the end!
After winter, comes spring.
All part of God’s plans for His children.
Be prepared, one day you’ll suddenly become aware of an irresistible pull in your spirit that tells you winter is past, and the time for singing is upon you again (Song of Songs 2:11-12)!
WHAT’S ON AT GRACE UNITED!…
WHAT: Amalgamation Celebration!
WHEN: Sunday, February 4 at 4:00 pm
WHERE: Grace United
A special service of worship will be followed by a catered dinner.
Child care will be provided.
In light of our worshiping in the afternoon, there will be NO SUNDAY MORNING SERVICE.
WHAT: An Ash Wednesday Worship Experience
WHEN: Wednesday, February 14 at 7:00 pm
WHERE: Grace United
A prayerful way to begin the sacred season of Lent.
WHAT: Grace United Annual Congregational Meeting
WHEN: Sunday, February 25 immediately after worship
WHERE: Grace United
PLEASE NOTE: Annual reports are due THIS SUNDAY!
OUT OF THE COLD:
Our next opportunity to serve is Friday, February 9.
If you are able to pitch in, please be in touch with Joanne Blackwell.
Many hands make light work 😊
“FAMOUS PEOPLE PRAYERS”:
People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies.
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you.
Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight.
Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, will often be forgotten.
Do good anyway.
Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.
Give your best anyway.
In the final analysis, it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway.
–Mother Teresa
Grace United Church Sudbury 