by Chris Steele

September 10, 2006

Having “a roof over our heads” took on new meaning this past week. While the roofers began pealing off the layers that covered our auditorium, the downpours began. Although they thought they had done what was necessary to keep us dry, they were mistaken. In turn we thought that the debris filtering through the cracks was bad enough, but the water was yet to come (not to mention one of the light fixtures came crashing down). All-in-all we appreciate your patience and everyone who helped in the cleanup efforts.

At first glance our thoughts may have been a bit dismal with some complaining mixed in, but we should not dwell there long. God has a way of bringing good out of the bad (Romans 8:28). “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17).

With the experiences that we had this week with our roof, it should cause us to be thankful for that roof. Our roof tells us that God has blessed us with a building in which to meet and worship together. The dripping water helps us to appreciate the new shingles, as well as the rain for our low water tables (Matthew 5:45). We can count our blessings knowing that we have the means to put on a new roof when it becomes necessary. Even the effort made to clean up everything should help us to appreciate, not only our health and physical abilities, but also the opportunity to serve God by working in His house of worship. The timing was good also. We had hoped to be able to get our new roof on before any major storms came through. We accomplished this as well. Then because of the mess we had to meet in the fellowship hall on Wednesday evening, but even this helps us once again to be thankful that our facilities are big enough to be able to do this. May we always count our blessings!