The Pastor’s Blog – TRULY BLESSED
It was during this week of snow and shoveling that I stopped to reflect on how truly blessed we are. We enjoy a life of such luxury and wealth that many people could not even imagine it. And we take it for granted most of the time.
Here is what I was thinking. After shoveling sidewalks I was sweaty and my muscles were sore. So what did I do? I ran a hot bath with Epson salts. That tub held enough fresh, drinkable water (until I got in) to sustain a village in a drought ravaged country. The water was warm, a luxury many who live on our streets could not enjoy.
Now I am hot and thirsty, so I go to the kitchen and turn on the tap. Out comes an endless supply of fresh, drinkable, wonderfully refreshing water. How many people, even in Canada, were boiling their water this week? Then I move to the refrigerator where I find an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, milk, cheese, and the list goes on. If nothing catches my eye there, I move to the pantry where there are snacks and staples all mixed together. We tease that we have enough food in that cupboard to feed us for a month. It just might.
When it is time to pick my wife up from work – yes, we are fortunate enough to each have a job – I jump into the car and drive the 2.5 km to pick her up. How many people in the world today have never been in a private automobile, nor could they comprehend why we would drive such a short distance. But we do, because that is life in Canada.
I could go on, but I am sure you know what I mean when I say we are truly blessed. The big question is, what do we do with our blessings? In 1 John 3:17 we are challenged with this thought: “But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?”
I do not think that means stop having baths, or enjoying the tap water, or walk everywhere. But it does cause us to ask, “How can I help those who are not so blessed?” It might be an offering. It might be a shared sandwich. It might be a missions trip. It might be a cup of coffee to someone in the cold. Made me think…
– Pastor Gary