Life on the Pasture

Years ago, a member of my congregation was sharing with me how another member was burdening him or her with a list of complaints about our church. I patiently listened, trying very hard to avoid immediately becoming defensive, and then asked the person, "Is that your experience here?" "No!" was the quick response. I suggested that the next time someone shared with him or her a list of complaints that he or she does not agree with, simply respond, "I'm sorry you feel that way, but that's not been my experience." Now whether or not the person with the complaints wants to acknowledge your positive experience is not something you can control. Some people would rather accentuate the negative and tear down rather than rejoice in the positive and build up.

I have to admit that there is plenty of negative news bombarding us on a daily basis -- rising COVID numbers and overflowing hospitals, differing views on the recent Presidential election and the validity of the vote count, a call to refrain from family Thanksgiving celebrations if people are not living in the same household, the most active hurricane season on record, and even a report that people who walk their dogs are more likely to contract COVID. Add to that all the personal challenges we each face and the tendency to worry about the future rather than commend it into the Lord's care and soon we find our list of complaints burying our positive experiences.

But what really is your personal experience? For instance, my daily newspaper of choice and other news outlets seem to give the impression that if only everyone would do a better job of wearing masks and social distancing, the spread of the virus could be greatly limited. In my personal experience based on places I frequent and people I know, I have to say that I have observed the vast majority of people wearing masks and trying to keep their distance. And as one who throughout the pandemic has walked his dog on a regular basis, I continue to be COVID free.

More important, what's your personal experience when it comes to the Lord and His work in your life? May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. (Ephesians 3:19, NLT) And when the negative voices come, you can respond, "That's not my experience. Allow me to share with you the joy I have in Jesus!"

– Pastor Schmidt