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It's been two years since Hurricane
Katrina. August 29, 2005 marked that terrible day for so
many Americans in the south. Louisiana, Mississippi,
Florida, and Alabama felt the damaging winds and violent storm.
Texas, Georgia and all the surrounding states felt the wave of
refugees cross their borders and vie for a new community and new
start... Sandra, my wonderful
bride, also shares August 29 with Katrina. It's been 34
years since Sandra was born into this crazy world. I will
probably always remember the date of Katrina because of Sandra's
birthday.
Since. It's been two years
since...It's been 34 years since... In my brief life I recognize
that I have a lot of "since." (No doubt you would argue with
me about having much "sense!). It's been 17 years since I
heard my call to ministry. It's been 13 years since I
started serving Christ as a Methodist minister. It's been
five years since I was ordained. It's been three and a half
years since I found out I was coming to Hartford. It's been
6 years since Sandra last taught in the public schools. It's
been a year since we moved into our wonderful home.
Then, there's common since."
Like Hurricane Katrina, we all remember the power of that storm.
It's been two years since her fury raged against our land.
This September 11 will mark six years since the World Trade Center
attack by Al-Qaeda terrorists. It's been 231 years since our
forefathers declared independence for our nation as the United
States of America. It's been 106 years since Harford First
UMC was formed as a new church. I could go on and on about
all the "common since" we share.
Still there is another way to use
the word "since" for us today. "Since" can also mean
"because." For instance "Since I was thirsty, I drank some
water." What is our "since" telling us to do today?
Since God loves me, I love others.
Since I have been blessed by other people's kindness, I want to
bless others. Since there is a need, I will go. Since
I have been called, I will follow. Since this town and
church have adopted me, I have become a child of Hartford.
Since love is not cheap, I will sacrifice for it. Since my
family has given me life, I will give my life for them.
Since Jesus asked, I will.
What "since" do you have in your
life today. Is it just an awareness of the past? Or is
it a calling to act in response to it? How much since do you
have? |
THOUGHT FROM THE HEART