THE REST OF THE STORY

You probably know already that we lost one of our wisest and most eloquent speakers Saturday. Paul Harvey died at the age of ninety.

I don't listen to radio at home, so I miss the majority of what goes on in radioland, but I have, through the years, always searched the dial, when travelling, to catch hearing Paul Harvey's news programs.

Like many of us, I have my favorites from his show. I especially liked the story of the undefeated football team that was sure to win their bowl game back in the forties or fifties. They were a shoe in to win as they were playing a team that wasn't even in their same league, so to speak. But, when the game started, it became apparent that nothing was going to go right for this gifted team of talented athletes, who had impressed the nation on the football field.

As the seconds ticked off the clock, this team and their coaching staff slunk back to their locker room and they all, dumbfounded, went on to thier homes, sick over this unbelieveable turn of events that ended their glorious season.

Yes, Paul told us, there was a reason for this substantial defeat. For if this team had won, they had tickets to the nicest nightclub of their time. Their victory celebration was planned in advance at a special , well-known establishment. It was so well known, that when it burned to the ground that very night, it was a shock and tragedy that remains a historical event even by today's standards.

I aplogize for not knowing the team, or the other details of the preceding story, but Paul Harvey knew them, and I got the whole gist of the story, how God is in control and how He uses everything for His purpose.

The second story, that is my favorite, is the one about the farmer and the birds. This farmer, who had no interest in church and such, was taking care of business on his farm, when a storm blew in. He noticed a flock of birds that was caught in the storm, flapping and flying aimlessly about in the rain and wind. The farmer saw the barn nearby, with an open loft window. He thought, those silly birds, why can't they just fly into the dry barn through the open window and be safe from the storm? Then he thought, "I wish I could be a bird, then I would simply fly with them and lead them into the loft window, into the safety and security of the barn. Surely, they would follow one of their own kind." As he pondered this scenario, it hit him like a ton of bricks. God wanted his people to escape the storms of life, the daily sin that tosses us about helplessly in an evil world. He wanted us to find the safety and security available in living a life sheltered from this unpredictable world. How would He do this? Maybe he should become one of His people, live among them and then show them the way Himself. I believe the farmer got the message about Jesus Christ, I hope we all get the message.

I can't believe it is March 3rd and it's as frigid as can be outside. I hope you all have a wonderful day today. Stay safe and warm, and remember this season of rejoicing that lies ahead. luv, Susan