19Feb 08
Rejoice….in all things?
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Sunday afternoon, Kenan gave an excellent overview on Christs command to rejoice (Matthew 5:10-12). He exhorted us to remember that Christ is in control of every situation we encounter. Our response then should be one of joy and contentment. For I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content (Phil. 4). Few of us realized the memorable application that was on its way. Monday began as one of the warmest and cheeriest days of 2008 yet. A brisk breeze couple by mid 70 temperatures made the outdoors a desirable place to be. Because of that, the decision was made to go clean up a large fallen limb and carry out minor landscaping work at a piece of real estate we maintain in Alexandria.
Joshua, Daniel, and Kenan drove to the dump for a large load of mulch while just about everyone else headed to the house. Weeding, chain sawing, edging, and trimming were performed with great care and attention to detail. Kenan and Adam scrambled around the tree out front, removing overgrown limbs. Daniel worked faithfully on cutting up the large sycamore branch while the rest prepared garden beds for mulch. Merry tunes, laughs, and hearty conversations went on amidst the progress.
Then it happened
.dark clouds began to form. Work continued. The breeze picked up and a cooler temperature settled down on the area. We awaited the inevitable and within a short time, rain began to descend. Sprinkles gave way to drizzle and then a steady, windy rainfall, and the work was still not done. 
Now a decision had to be made. Circumstances were not about to change. What would be the response? Joy! From Markie all the way up to Dad, smiles were maintained and the diligence continued (even more so with the motivating weather). The work 
performed in the rain and cold ended up being the most memorable & joyous of the entire afternoon. All tasks had been completed when our wet, cold, but cheery selves hopped in the vehicles for a warm drive home enriched with a scrumptious meal prepared by Sarah and Kenan.
A simple decision within each one to rejoice amidst the uncomfortable circumstances turned a potentially awful afternoon into a profitable, fun filled memory.
Kenan, thank you for the well prepared message on ‘Rejoice’ Sunday afternoon. Working with you all through the rain on Monday was a memory indeed
. Rain seems to create so many memories (remember this one).
Overlooking personal discomfort and choosing rather to focus on the good and the needs of others is key in being an energy giver. I know I was energized that afternoon!
What a good reminder! Making the choice to rejoice is so important. I would only add one thing–make the choice to rejoice before the test even comes.
That’s a good way to put it. Way to go.
You all had me scared for a minute. The way the post began I just knew something dreadful was about to happen. And then I glanced down at the first picture – SURELY NOT! – the brightly colored leaves in the forest looked exactly like the beginnings of a mighty forest fire! Needless to say, I was quite relieved when I clicked on the picture and saw it closer up. I’m glad you all didn’t burn the forest down! But I’m even more encouraged that you chose to rejoice – whatever the circumstances.
This reminds us of the cold, snowy, winter day last month when our van would not make in over the icy hill and we had to carry the groceries home. When the snow had began falling just a few hours earlier, a friend at the orthodontist’s office cheerfully commented that,”Maybe today, you’ll make a memory that the children will never forget.”
What you thought, Daniel, was exactly what I thought. Good job team! Often our fear of discomfort causes us to try to avoid the things God brings our way. But that is the time to rejoice in our God with all our heart, and when we do we discover there was nothing to be afraid of.
Oh my – the interesting ways we find to make memories. My guess would be that you all had to walk over a quarter mile if it is the hill I am imagining. I am very glad though that you decided the hill was too icey before you were on top!
Even though this memorable time was a little cold we couldn’t help it so everyone kept good attitudes! Great Job