I have a love-hate relationship with the month of October. Weather-wise it is my favorite month of the year. Atmosphere-wise (Halloween), it is my least favorite. So, when I turn my calendar and see “November 1” each year, I rejoice!
Ugly is behind us and thanksgiving is before us. Of course, thanksgiving is always before us and with us, but too often our attention is drawn away by other things. Something about November 1 pulls my attention back to where it belongs … with all the things for which I am (and should always be) grateful.
I am thankful for so much this year. It appears after two plus years the PMR and GCA I have battled have gone into remission (or maybe totally disappeared). I survived a bout with COVID and am regaining strength and stamina. I will know shortly who my successor is at The Way, Middleton, and I see a new chapter of my life ahead beginning the first of the new year.
I know much is in turmoil, being sure of a new church, at 75 probably other health issues, finances, and such, but I have the assurance that my God knows … and cares … and nothing in His love for me will change.
James 1:17-18: “Every generous act and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights; with Him there is no variation or shadow cast by turning. By His own choice, He gave us a new birth by the message of truth so that we would be the firstfruits of His creatures.” [HCSB]
Read that verse again! Our God is unchanging. He has declared His love for us “by His own choice,” and nothing will change that. People of this world often like us for what we can do for them, and we are constantly striving to impress them so that they will continue to like us. When we are sick, or old, or become less than useful by some circumstance, they will cast aside.
Not so with our God. He chose to love us. While we change, He never does … NEVER!
So, this November 1, I am most thankful that God’s love for me is not based on my changing nature, but on His unchanging one. Glory!
