A Word from Pastor Jim
We had arrived in Istanbul with a group of pilgrims from TLC. Istanbul is one of the great cities of the world. It lies strategically on the shores of the Bosporus — the connection between Asia and Europe. The history of Istanbul, formally Constantinople, is ancient and rich. We were excited to visit the world-famous markets, churches, mosques, and palaces; unfortunately, this happened.
What do you see? A hearse with a coffin in the back ran into a city bus at rush hour. I hate it when that happens. Some days are like this. We sat in the traffic jam for the longest time, disappointed to be losing precious time on our city tour. Some days are like this. The ferries are not running, the weather is not cooperating, the tire is flat, the power is out. Some days are like this.
But other days are like this.
This is my grandson, Brooks. Give him a shovel and a little gravel and his face lights up. He does not care if the stock market is up or down; just give him a shovel. He does not watch the news or worry about tomorrow; just give him a shovel and a little gravel.
Every story is a human story. We have good days and bad days. We experience joy and sorrow. We should expect both with the clear understanding that no matter what happens today, the sun will come out tomorrow. The seasons of grief will give way to celebrations. Pandemic days will subside, and we will skip through life unmasked and no longer afraid.
So, if you find yourself behind a hearse that ran into a bus, just give thanks that you are not in the hearse and late for your own funeral.
And if you are smiling with that shovel in your hand, give thanks for the simple pleasures of this day.
One day closer,
Pastor Jim
