November usually is filled with thoughts of snow in Minnesota. This year, we’re supposed to have results from a huge El Nino, which was proven yesterday. Temperatures were in the high 60s. We don’t usually get to see the brilliant, crimson leaf colors, because they’re often filled with a light dusting of snow.

I started the month by attending my Bible preaching church and spending a bit of extra time with my great grandson and his family. I couldn’t help thinking about that sweet little boy, who is learning what church is all about. Since his baptism, His mom has made a point of sitting close to the front of the church, so that he can see and hear everything that’s going on. His regular church attendance at such a young age is making a big impression on him. He loves to sing his own version of the hymns. He listens to the prayers and has learned new words like – Amen, Jesus, sinners and hell. Of course, that last one is in context with salvation.

The Word of God has always been a blessing to our family. I remember taking our children to worship on Sundays and wondering if any of it was sinking in. As i look at these same children today, they’ve become servants of God in their adult years, and I realize that quite a bit of it had sunk in. When they become accustomed to regular worship, it can become a lifelong habit.

Our Bible study after church was a lesson on the Prodigal son. This story, known to most people, describes a wayward son who demands his inheritance from his father so he can leave home and start a new life. The father grants him this gift. The young man goes off and squanders everything on foolish living. When all his inheritance is spent, he has reached the bottom of the barrel and has nothing. He decides to return home and beg for his father’s forgiveness. The father is overjoyed. He runs to greet him and bestows all kinds of blessings on him. The older son is angry with his dad for showing the younger such mercy and kindness. There were many lessons in that beautiful parable, but I especially noted a few things. In the story, the father represents our Father, God. The inheritance is heaven and all its benefits. The young son thinks little of his father but uses him to get what he feels he deserves. The older son is jealous and responds with anger. The younger represents those who sin against God and beg for forgiveness. The older represents those who remain and receive everything they need, yet they’re not satisfied. I guess we all fit into the minds of those two sons at some time or another.

As I left church yesterday, I had tears in my eyes as I thought about the time I had just spent. I had come to church feeling sorry for myself, yet so grateful. It was another first day of the month. I was thinking about my husband. Constant reminders of him during a sermon about the saints (loved ones) who have gone to heaven before us. I was thinking how great it is to have that home waiting for us after we die. Yes, I still grieve for the loss of my husband. I also am so happy for him and where he is now. I also couldn’t help thinking about my family and the foundation we lay for our children by bringing them to church each week. Even when they are distracted or fussy, the Holy Spirit is working on their precious souls.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR YOUR WORD OF TRUTH!