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Periodically, I return to the book, “The Buzzards Are
Circling, But God’s Not Finished With Me Yet,” by Stan Toler. This
usually takes away any depressing thoughts.
We are almost finished with the summer and fall
festivals and activities that keep us busy, and it could be a “ho-hum”
time in our county.
Discouragement suggests a lack of courage. It is a
philosophy that even Peter, the apostle, wanted to change, when he said,
“They will say, ‘Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our
fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of
time’.” (2 Peter 3:4)
Here is one of Stan’s stories:
“Years ago, a hydroelectric dam was to be built across a
valley in Maine. The people in the town were to be relocated, and the
town was to be submerged.
During the interim time between making the final
decision and actually evacuating the people, the town, which had once
been a well kept place, fell into disrepair. Because of the looming
dislocation, the townspeople saw no reason to maintain their town. One
member of the town council rejected this thinking and made an
impassioned speech, ‘Where there is no faith in the future, there is no
work in the present’.”
Discouragement over the sameness of our situation can
sap our strength. We are told, “There is no way out, only eventual
destruction.”
It makes me very tired just to hear this!
We have so many reasons to look forward! Think about the
changes that have been accomplished in the past few months. Churches
have new pastors and new programs. New 4-H clubs are being organized.
Schools have new principals, teachers and ideas. Younger people are
moving into leadership in the county. New neighbors are our friends.
The best reason to look forward is that we love our life
here in Calhoun County and we love the caring people.
When you’re lonely, you wish for LOVE.
When you’re down, you wish for JOY.
When you’re troubled, you wish for PEACE.
When things look empty, you wish for HOPE.
--Unknown
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