The full moon hung like a shining, golden medallion over the horizon. I could hardly take my eyes off it as I carried my recycling to the end of the driveway for next morning’s pickup. As I stopped to admire its beauty, I heard my neighbor’s voice from down the road, “Do you see the moon?” Yes, I said. It’s beautiful! Fascinated by what I was seeing I hadn’t noticed one of my neighbors was also taking out his recycling. Have you ever felt sharing an experience with someone else made it even more special? That’s how I felt when I heard my neighbor’s voice. No more was said; no more needed to be said. It was just a moment—two people appreciating the beauty of God’s handiwork.

What a joyful season this is, one holiday after another! A couple of my neighbors had their Christmas lights put up right after Halloween. One neighbor already lights them up at night. The stores, of course, have been competing for our attention with Christmas promotions for weeks. It seems Christmas comes earlier every year, but let’s not forget Thanksgiving.  I drove past a house this week that had Christmas lights up and a big fake turkey displayed on their front door. I guess that about covers it. As we anticipate the celebration of the birth of our Savior, let’s not forget Thanksgiving. It’s more than food and football. It’s a reminder we have a whole lot to be thankful for.

Who likes correction! I don’t, even though most of the time it’s warranted. It’s not that correction is not appreciated—eventually. I just don’t like to be corrected. It hurts. But, God is not like the parents who allow their unruly, disrespectful children free rein as they create havoc wherever they go. God is a loving father who cares about his children and warns and corrects them when they stray. He loves us and doesn’t want us to suffer the consequences of sin. Correction can come from Scripture or sermons but also through unexpected ways. Another person who may be totally unaware may say something that stings. But, we, as the guilty parties, recognize immediately God is talking directly to us. No fun! Thank you, Lord, for your merciful, if uncomfortable, correction.

Rejoice in the Lord is mentioned many times in the Scriptures. I can do that. I’m feeling good, well-fed and comfy, warm and dry in my house while a cold rain falls outside. Why shouldn’t I rejoice! But the Scriptures also encourage us to rejoice when life isn’t going so well for us. What about that? As humans we have a proclivity to put a physical take on what the biblical writers intended as spiritual edification. An abundant life is promised, but true abundance is spiritual not physical. Not that a material gift isn’t appreciated, but far more valuable is the spiritual blessing of growing closer in our relationship with Lord Jesus. The spiritual gifts come to us, no matter our physical circumstances. God is good! Always!

Jesus never doubted his Father’s involvement in his life. He went about calming storms, healing the sick and even turning water into wine without ever questioning whether or not his Father would respond to his requests. Total faith in his Father was a way of life for Jesus. Even when his attempt to open a blind man’s eyes didn’t completely happen at first, Jesus didn’t falter (Mark 8:24). He didn’t think, Oh no, the man still can’t see! God has quit answering my prayers! He knew everything the Father does is for a reason. What about us?

Last Sunday evening, I learned a lot about the parents in our community. It was Halloween and I was happily surprised at the politeness of the cute kids who came to my door. Most were taught to take only one piece of candy and to say thank-you. One child took two and his older sister told him to put one back. He couldn’t bring himself to do it, so she did it for him! Last Monday was All Saints’ Day, but, of course, most today celebrate Halloween the night before, not All Saints’ Day. This observance of the faithful Christians of our past has been basically forgotten in lieu of treat or treating. Among all the kids who came to my door few probably knew the beginning of All Hallows’ Eve. Lots of princesses and witches costumes, and Baby Yoda, Harry Potter, Iron Man and Wonder Woman were represented, but nothing signifying what the day originally meant. Yes, I had candy for them. How many times do you have the opportunity to show love to so many kids.

Wind is not unusual in Texas, from gentle breezes to devastating tornadoes. But this week we have wind advisories, which means not tornado strength but strong enough to blow over lawn furniture and cancel airline flights. For me, that usually means picking up limbs from the many trees in my yard. As the wind whips around my house, whirling the wind chimes on my porch into a frenzy, I think of the Holy Spirit, which is described as like wind. The Holy Spirit gently comforts and guides us, but he is also stronger than anything we can imagine possible of Texas wind. Not only is he pictured as a dove in the Scriptures, he also appears as flames of fire. He is God!

As I picked up my morning newspaper, my neighbors from down the way passed by in their pickup, giving me a friendly beep on the horn. I smiled and waved back. This pandemic isolation has not affected me as it has these outgoing, extroverted friends. My happy place is in my comfy chair with a stack of good books and no distractions or interruptions. This is not something to be proud of; it’s the nature with which I was born. And, it can be a problem. Yes, as Christians we need to spend alone time with God, but we also need to interact with others. Along with being an active part of the body of Christ, we need to be open and hospitable and friendly. I’m thankful God has blessed me with neighbors who won’t allow me to be a hermit and are continually teaching me how to be friendly.

We’ve all heard or read that Jesus is our best friend. If a best friend is someone with whom I can feel free to share anything going on in my life, without being condemned, I agree. He’s the only one I can do that with. But he’s also my Savior and my God. I’m in awe of him! There’s no other friend I’m in awe of. None! Jesus called his disciples his friends, and they became so close they occasionally questioned his decisions. We realize they didn’t fully understand at the time, but we don’t have that excuse. We know he’s part of the holy Trinity. Yes, he loves us, but Jesus is God! Omnipotent, omniscient, eternal Creator God! Even as I draw closer to him in relationship, I never want to forget that!

As I approached the top of the hill, school was over and I saw no vehicles there, but slowed anyway. As I came over the hill, I saw flashing red and blue lights behind me. Oh no! Sure enough, the policewoman said I had broken the speed limit. Not happy, I explained I had slowed down, but to no avail. I told her I hadn’t gotten a ticket in all the time I had been in Texas. She wasn’t impressed. I didn’t think it was fair. Finally, she gave me the ticket and as she walked away, said, “It’s just a warning.” Why does submitting to authority automatically cause an adverse reaction? I came up with all kinds of excuses although her radar showed my car had picked up speed and exceeded the speed limit coming down the hill. Shows once again a part of my nature that could use some work.