Good Morning Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Well, I didn’t see that coming. When I went home yesterday, it was sunny and gorgeous. This morning, there’s snow and yuck. I really don’t get this Omaha weather thing. Maybe I never will. That’s okay. The heater in my office works just fine.
This coming week will see the renewal of Man Cave, the men’s group. This will take place on Tuesday, at 5:30. Now this is great chance to bring a friend.
The blood drive sign up is in full swing. Last I heard, we have at least 10 volunteers. We just need to double that. Unfortunately, I will be out. (That doesn’t mean I don’t donate. I am actually going today to do a platelet donation.)
While it’s not official, yet, plans are being hatched for a church garage sale. So please be thinking about both, volunteering, and what you might donate.
Easter Lilies are on sale now for $10 each. Orders need to be in by March 29th.
Pastor in Action
A lot of my time this week, and next week, is being taken up by getting ready for Pilgrimage the weekend of March19-22. I have at least two talks to deliver, and several worship services to provide over. I am also available to the group the entire weekend for Spiritual guidance, or just to talk. Dean Marshall has graciously agreed to fill the pulpit that weekend, and I thank him for that.
I have also been to the hospital a couple of times.
Somewhere in there has been worship prep, and sermon prep as we continue to move through the Lenten season.
I have also sat in on a couple of meetings.
Message
So I just finished reading a biography on Stephen Hawking. For those who don’t know, he is a famous scientist who had ALS. He passed away in 2018. He was instrumental in work on the Big Bank theory, the real theory and not the show, as well as publishing several books. One of the things he wanted to do was bring complicated science to the common person, like me.
One of the things he talks about in his writing is the uncertainty principle. What this says, in a very oversimplified manner, is that while science and math can predict certain things, they can’t predict everything. I won’t go into the science here, or give you some big quote. I would like you to actually read what I’m putting together this morning. But think about that. As exact as math is, as much as we know, we can’t predict everything.
Now, apply that to the weather. We pick on meteorologists for not being accurate. The reality is, they are. They look at percentages based on history, and the elements, and give us those percentages. When they tell us there is a 10% chance of rain, we assume it’s not going to rain. Well, that’s not accurate. What they are saying is that given the conditions, it will rain 10 times out of 100. We choose not to carry an umbrella based on that. The key word here is choice.
Life is uncertain. As I said, when I went to bed, it was nice out. Not his morning. Something changed. And now, I have to respond.
I could go out without a coat. That might not be the smartest thing I’ve ever done. I could go out with my heaviest clothes. Also, likely not necessary. So, I have to make choices.
That’s just the weather. There are so many things in life that cause us to make choices. Sometimes we go so caught up in the future, we forget to enjoy, to savor the here and now. We get so worried about tomorrow, that we overlook loving someone today. Sometimes, instead of taking a mistake as a learning opportunity, we pick up a heavy burden of guilt to carry around for awhile. Instead of learning, we suffer endlessly.
Jesus tells us not to worry. God clothes the flowers of the fields, and feeds the birds. If God loves all that, how much more does God love us. Now, I’m not going to tell you not to worry. I’d get a better response from a wall, and I know it. (I worry also.) However, what I will say is to not let worry overwhelm you. Be mindful of your needs, but also be mindful of the present moment. After all, yesterday is gone, and tomorrow is filled with uncertainty. How many times do we create problems that don’t actually exist? Our imaginations, as wonderful as they are, can indeed get us into trouble.
Now, let’s go back for just a moment. If the Hawkings and Einsteins and Newtons can’t predict the future, then why do we think we can? Let’s love the people in front of us, and enjoy the moments we have right now. There will be plenty to do tomorrow.
Friends, while it is cold outside, having you as friends warms my heart, and I thank God for each of you every day. (Also, don’t fall down in this weather.)
Blessings and Peace,
Brian Long