Pastor's Post 1/26/2023

Dear Shiloh Family,

     It was a typical O’Neal get-together for the most part.  We were at a local Hibachi restaurant celebrating Mom’s birthday.  Conversation was buzzing as everyone was brought up to date on the latest church news, business endeavors, college life, and general adventures.  Eventually, the topic turned to UGA track and field, and someone asked my Grand Nephew to tell me who he saw on TV.  

     “Tell Uncle Derrell who you saw on TV.”

     “Gracie”, he replied without hesitation.

     “What was she doing?”

     “Running!  And I saw Nurdles.” 

     Now, I knew those long distance runners were a bit strange, but I never heard them called Nurdles.  But I took the bait.

     “So, you saw Nurdles?”

    “Yeah”

    “What were they doing?”

    His eyes widened, and with a nod he exclaimed, “Jumping.”  

     It took me a minute, but it finally hit home.  “Oh, you saw HURDLES.

     “Yeah, they were jumping Nurdles.”  

     What a great moment.  We all burst into laughter, and I still chuckle as I type.  However, think about it.  He saw his aunt running for UGA on TV, but what lingered in his memory were the hurdlers.  They were running like everyone else, but they were forced to overcome obstacles along the way.

Ecclesiastes 9:11: The race is not to the swift, Nor the battle to the strong, Nor bread to the wise, Nor riches to men of understanding, Nor favor to men of skill; But time and chance happen to them all.  NKJV

     Yep, you guessed it.  There is a life lesson on the way.  Often, life ovals along like a never-ending marathon.  Events pass by like familiar faces of spectators in the grandstands, many of which we vaguely remember.  However, the hurdles along the way create moments of interest, formulate memories (some good, some bad), and write stories to embellish, especially to those who cross the finish line.

     Brothers and sisters, stay on the course, run the race that has been assigned, set a healthy pace, encourage your teammates, and complete the task.  Oh yes, watch out for the “Nurdles.”  

Hebrews 12:1-2: 1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. KJV

The race may be boring for a season, but the crown is yours for eternity.       

God bless you all,
Pastor Derrel