PASTOR DAVE’S MUSINGS FROM THE HEARTLAND

November 26, 2023

THANKS GIVING

There is a lot of discussion today about the state of health care in the United States.  The local hospital continues to be under attack as it closes one service after another.  It is experiencing a personnel shortage.  Prices for some medications are out of site.  Not only is it difficult to find a doctor, it is equally difficult to get an appointment on a timely basis.  I am sure we have all complained about what our expensive medical insurance does not cover.

This November 23, Thanksgiving, I find myself not complaining about medical issues I have experienced but giving thanks for the health care I have received this fall.  My two trips to the emergency department and one to the surgery unit of the local hospital have been good.  I received nothing but the best of care.  The three different tests and procedures I have had were very professional.  All of my doctors have been attentive and informative.  All of the nurses and other personnel have been wonderful.  I have much for which to give thanks for my medical care this fall.

Another popular topic of discussion today is the deplorable state of politics.  Politicians are not to be trusted and are only out for their own welfare.  You can not believe anything they say.  I am pleased to report that those who spoke at the Plymouth Rotary “Meet the Candidates Night” on October 26 did not fit this stereotype.  I went away from the night grateful that we had so many good people seeking political office.  Because of that night, I feel blessed to live in Plymouth, Indiana.

We at Plymouth First United Methodist church because of dangerous structural problems with the doom have been out of our sanctuary for almost four years.  Most of the time has been taken up assessing the problem and negotiating with the insurance company.  Along the way we also had the hot water heater bust and flood the basement of the building.  Saturday, November 11, John Wautelet and Ed Langfeldt gave a report to the United Methodist Men of where we have been, where we are, and where we are going.  All of us at the breakfast were thankful for all the persons who have stepped-up over the last four years, giving of their time, energy, and expertise.  They have been a real blessing sent by God.   In the midst of the delays and setbacks they give reason to give thanks.

A song by Johnson Oatman that I first heard when I was growing up in Cortland, Ohio, invites us to focus on our blessings rather than our problems.  Each of the verses enumerates many of the negatives we encounter in life.  They talk about discouragement, burdens, conflicts, and discouragements.  There are times when we think all is lost, our cross seems heavy, and we are tempest-tossed upon life’s billows.

At these low points in our life the song tells us “Count your blessing, name them one by one, count your blessings, see what God has done!  And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.”

Psalm 107 is a group thanksgiving for pilgrims who have come to Jerusalem to celebrate one of the festivals.  The Palm ends: “He raises up the needy out of distress, and makes their families like flocks.  The upright see it and are glad; and all wickedness stops its mouth.  Let those who are wise give heed to these things, and consider the steadfast love of the Lord (Psalm 107:41-43).”  Here the pilgrims are invited to give thanks and consider all the blessings that the Lord has shown.  May we all do the same this Thanksgiving season as we count our many blessings.

(Comments may be sent to davidh1550@embarqmail.com.)