September 2021 Rick McPherson
The sign hangs right behind the coffeemaker in our kitchen. My wife hung it there to remind us of the priority. Each morning we abide by its edict. And, for the most part, we have behaved nicely in our fifty plus years of marriage by being reminded of the early morning credo. After the caffeine hits, the day seems much more manageable. I’m not sure if King David had this in mind when he said, “This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 Perhaps he was on his second cup.
Notwithstanding, I’m reminded the days and months are flying. I was emailed this week for the Christmas Toy Drive! Wait! Wasn’t the 4th of July, yesterday? Christmas? Yikes! Oh, then I saw a full, shrink-wrapped pallet at a donor’s dock with “Christmas” scribbled across the side, in permanent, black, broad-tipped Sharpie. Serious!
To catch up, we have been selected, (again), to receive gifts and toys from the local, Les Schwab Tire Centers and TV12 annual Toy Drive. We’re thankful and honored to participate because it enables us to provide for Native American children on Reservations these gifts at the Christmas season. Along with groceries, boots, used and new clothes, household items and miscellaneous goodies we deliver the makings for a very Merry Christmas. I will never forget one Native grandmother who said to me just a few years ago, “Because of these gifts there won’t be no tears, this year.” When you work through the double negative, you understand, what she was saying.
The tradition of gift- giving dates to the beginning of time and certainly the First Christmas. The Wise Men brought gifts to the Baby Jesus in Bethlehem to express their love and respect. Indeed the act of giving is foundational to love. The Apostle John wrote these words to record the Greatest Gift, ever;
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.” 3:16
But wait, there’s more…
“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” 3:17
The act of giving demonstrates love. We don’t just talk about it. We do it. We do it because we love God and God loves people. So do we. The “we” is us. It’s you and me and all the other people who partner with us in this ministry, helping Native Americans, both physically and spiritually.
I’m reminded of this truth every time I climb into the Peterbilt and head out for yet another trip to a Reservation with a box of groceries or a pair of boots or a stuffed Teddy-Bear. We, together, are doing something in God’s name that demonstrates His love, acceptance and forgiveness. We really are.
Thank you for standing with us and being a faithful team member. Only Heaven will reveal the final results of what we’re doing together. Your prayers, your financial help, your compassion and love enable us to do what we do.
Now, may I pour you another cup?
*****
On a personal note:
CONGRATULATIONS to our team member, Scott Kemery, who was married to Marissa Farnsworth on Sunday, September 19th.