Greetings Everyone:
I am trying to catch up on those things that must be done before leaving the office tonight, because I will leave early tomorrow for Richmond, Virginia to spend the weekend with Mr. and Mrs. Ken Frank and Sabbath services in Jessup, Maryland, with brethren joining from Winchester and Williamsburg, Virginia. It has been years since I visited that area, although Mr. Meredith has visited (the Washington D.C. area) a number of times. I expect to see some cool temperatures and possibly some snow on the ground! Those of you who live in tropical areas may have difficulty comprehending what it is like walking in frozen flakes of ice, but with proper clothing it really isn't so bad. As some in northern Minnesota and Wisconsin have said, "It's easier to bundle up and get warm in a cold climate than it is to take it off and get cool in a hot and humid one." And I agree! You should hear some of the humorous stories folks have told me about winters in Minnesota, but I don't have time and space to write them right now. Maybe next month?
Mr. Meredith just finished his edits on the new booklet on the "Who or What is the Antichrist," so it moves along in the production process. As I have mentioned in the past, Members do not need to request the booklet, as it will be sent to them automatically. I asked Mr. Meredith if he is going to include the personal name in this booklet, and I can't give you his answer. He responded with a "family name" I am quite familiar with—but of course he spoke in jest!
ANNOUNCEMENT
The Wyoming and Montana brethren are planning their annual Jackson Hole Winter Ski Trip for December 27—January 1, 2002. If you want to join them in fellowship and winter enjoyment at Jackson Hole and Teton Village, the following information is for you:
Cost is $375.00 per person, and includes ski lift passes and lodging
Cost is $285.00 per person for NON-SKIERS
(Family rates are available—call or write to Ben Whitfield)
A deposit of $100.00 per person is required upon sign-up
Contact:
Ben Whitfield
P.O. Box 639
Rawlins, WY 82301
Phone: 307 324-3600 (Work) or 307 324-7931 (Home) E-mail: [email protected]
COMMENTS
I was told the following story that illustrates how we can draw a wrong conclusion and make foolish statements from limited knowledge or carelessness about the facts.
Back in the '30s, a newly married couple took a trip to the Grand Canyon. Unfortunately, the day they arrived the weather turned cloudy, and the wonders of the canyon were entirely hidden from view. The husband was irritable and impatient, and he demanded they move on, even without seeing the canyon.
From that day on, he told everyone he met that the Grand Canyon was not worth the trip—he'd been there.
However, many years later his wife died and he remarried. Somehow his new wife convinced him to go to the canyon again.
This time the weather was perfect, and he was impressed. He bought a postcard and sent it to his children saying, "The Grand Canyon has changed a lot." (Adapted from Tales for Coaching, Margaret Parkin, Kogan Page)
Oh, really?
How many of us have been careless in our observations, and even more careless in our judgmental statements about other people in the Church? Have we been like the man who did not view the Canyon because of the weather—but "he had been there"? Have we, like him, presumed to be an authority, though ignorant or careless with the facts?
Have we learned and heeded the words of Jesus and the Apostles about "careless words" and a "loose tongue"? I hope so.
Do we live to make life less difficult for others? Have we been successful?
Do we plant a tree—even though we never expect to enjoy its fruit or shade?
Do we share "the glory" of our success with those who helped us achieve it?
I hope so!
Have a great Sabbath everyone, and travel safely.
Carl E. McNair