I have been mindful as of late of some things that I am grateful for simply because those things have not been there when I needed them to be or when I expected them to be. People say that absence makes the heart grow fonder. I think absence also leads to gratitude.
I recently went to the Kohl’s store where I used to work to purchase some new washcloths. I was struck by the fact that they now have self checkouts. When I worked there two years ago, I know that already then they were having trouble getting enough people to work at the checkout registers. Since then they have even remodeled part of the store to eliminate one whole bank of registers, but now to find self checkouts really surprised me. I have been seeing self checkouts more and more in stores, but I don’t like them. There are too many things that can go wrong (as evidenced by having often seen an employee having to help people with their transaction anyway). Self checkouts are also an area where a great deal of retail theft takes place which hurts everyone in the long run. I miss having people check out my purchases.
We also had two worship services at church recently without music. For me, this is my worst nightmare. As a worship leader, I can do everything in a worship service except lead music. I’m not a musician, nor am I a singer, so I can’t help facilitate music in worship. As a worshiper, I love the music that is shared, even the wee ones who play “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” for the very first time. Even the sour notes are music to my ears. I miss music when there is none.
We have also been without an office secretary at the church since the beginning of October when Christy re-retired. While we should have someone beginning in November, the office jobs in the meantime fell on me. Christy had put together the outlines of worship bulletins through the end of November, but there were still things to add and to change each week, plus copying and stapling them. Christy had also put together a framework for the November newsletter, but I still have to finish adding information before copying and distributing it. I miss having an office person when there is none.
As our thoughts turn to those of thanksgiving at this time of the year, my thoughts are at a place of missing things and being extra, extra grateful when those things are present. Have a joyful month of Thanksgiving!!
Pastor Beth
920-562-2853
