At times, August seemed to crawl along

Posted on September 1, 2020.

         At times, August seemed to crawl along – especially when 1) we       continued to be threatened by that fearsome coronavirus, 2) we were daily bombarded by the despair        generated by the ongoing political and social dramas, and 3) the weather was hot and humid; – but, in retrospect, fortunately, it passed by swiftly; and now we are in September.  In  this neck of the woods, this is one of the great months of the year.  Alas, due to reasons #1 and #2 above, it isn’t going to be quite as great; but, due to reason #3 above, we’ll luxuriate in cooler, brighter days which tend to give a more positive outlook whatever is going on around us.
    It is easy, when our days are uncomfortable – whether due to our own personal problems or due to what’s going on around us – to wonder whether God has gone away from us or is watching from nearby.  If you are in any way familiar with the stories found in the Old Testament, you can get the idea that God was never very far away; but He was greatly disappointed – and sometimes angry – at the shenanigans of mankind.  And, looking at the shenanigans and moral decay that we see around us today, we wonder whether God will visit upon us some of the catastrophic happenings that He caused to befall the nation of Israel as punishment.
    Such ponderings should inspire each of us, in whatever way an opportunity confronts us, to speak to someone who needs to hear, to pray for those who require divine help, and to always give glory to God as a witness of Who is uppermost in our lives and, indeed, in this world.
    As we embark on the month of September, we pause to count our many blessings.  Much is bad, but much is good.  As we enjoy the fine early autumn weather,  let us also share the Good News, and let us give thanks for His mercy on the lost sheep of our world, and for the hope that sustains us for better days to come.                                                                                                                                               Virginia                                      I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.  Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.
                                Psalm 116: 1-2