Naomi's Notes - 08/02/09
This year I’m starting Thanksgiving early. As the old gospel song says, I’ve been “counting my blessings” lately and find that I have way too many blessings to wait until November to “name them one by one.” So, below is a very short list of some special blessings I've received over the past three weeks or so. I’m especially thankful for:
- The opportunity—and energy—to have led Musical Day Camp for the fourteenth year at IBC. And what a privilege it was! Nothing makes a teacher’s heart go pitter-pat like a talented, energetic, trusting group of God’s precious children.
- A church that understands Musical Day Camp for the ministry and outreach opportunity that it is, offering support not only through time, effort, and funding, but also with enthusiastic attendance at the final programs and fellowship.
- Dedicated, talented, creative workers like my co-director, and so many others who were eager to join me in “knocking ourselves out” in the name of the Lord for the sake of these children’s spiritual lives. Several adults are still working on post-production projects and follow-up contacts. God surely will bless our sincere efforts on behalf of these children and their families for years to come.
- Parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles, friends and neighbors who not only saw to it that each child attended every day, but also coached lines and solos each evening, encouraging the children to do their best.
- The fall I took at church (minor, nothing broken) happening the week AFTER Musical Day Camp rather than before—or worse, during--production week!
- So many gracious Immanuelites who have blessed me with offers of medical assistance and transportation, suppers and a mowed lawn, cards and phone calls, and many other expressions of love and concern.
- God’s healing grace. I’m nearly back to normal (normal for me, that is—my usual hurried, scattered self), and both my parents are recovering slowly from some medical hardships they also had last week.
Of course, this list of blessings could continue endlessly. My enhanced gratitude at this time makes me especially look forward to worshiping The Great Provider this Sunday. As Lisa so often reminds us, "God IS good—ALL the time."
"My Jesus, my Savior, Lord, there is none like You;
All of my days, I want to praise
the wonders of Your mighty love.
My comfort, my shelter, Tower of refuge and strength;
Let ev'ry breath, all that I am never cease to worship You!"