Dear Harpeth Hills Family,

The story is told of a 94-year-old man who was in the process of moving into a retirement facility. He would be there alone, as he had just lost his beloved wife of 70 years a few months earlier. He would also be leaving the house that had been their home for almost 60 years…the house where they had raised their family and enjoyed times with the grandkids. His children, sensitive to the many recent changes in his life, had talked to him numerous times about adjusting to his changed situation and the new surroundings. Of course, the staff at the retirement facility was sensitive to the same issues.

The day of the move came, and as he was being led to the new living space, his children and the staff again emphasized how this was the best place for him. They talked about how they were sure he would miss his wife and the old house, but that he would have to adjust. After quietly listening to family and staff, the gentleman broke his silence, and a large smile graced his face: “I like it very much, and there is no reason you have to try and convince me. You see, the Lord has blessed me every day of my life, and therefore I am happy with whatever my situation may be. He is simply providing me new opportunities to be of service to Him.”

We all go through changes in our lives, but the differences we have seen in the past five months are almost too numerous to list. Do we focus only on what we view as losses coming out of those changes? Do we complain about the lack of supplies at the grocery store…mumble about the changes to our children’s educational pattern…fret at having to wear a mask…become angry about the possible lack of football…and so many more?

How many times have you heard, “I sure will be glad when all this is over, and we can go back to the way things used to be.”

Could the Lord be opening our eyes to changes we need to see in ourselves…changes that are needed in our relationship with others…changes that will lead to improvements and deepening of our relationship with Him? Could the Lord be using your reaction to all the changes we are experiencing as an example to non-believers who are observing you?

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.
Colossians 4:5

The gentleman in the story above could be a great example to all of us. Changes in our lives, no matter how difficult, lead to new opportunities to do His will every day. Let’s take joy in our circumstances and be happy that the Lord has placed us just where He wants us. Let’s be about His work and not about our comfort.

Your Shepherds