Enough?
Today’s message was written by guest pastor, Rev. Eric Wogen.
Believe it or not, even though it’s been quite a few years ago now, I can still vividly remember our family’s very first television set. It appeared when I was just starting elementary school, so, it was, indeed, a long, long, long time ago.
My Dad brought that Admiral console set (which was more console than picture) home in the trunk of our car. Setting up that black and white wonder proved to be quite a task. I can still see my frustrated father, struggling to make the required adjustments that would miraculously bring a TV picture into our modest living room. My sisters and I eagerly awaited that historic moment. But, for some reason, my Dad was only able to bring in half a picture. Needless to say, he was not at all pleased to hear his young son say, “ That’s okay, Dad, we didn’t have any picture before.” For me, half a picture was better than none.
As we look at our lives, we may be tempted, at times, to fail to appreciate what we have, because we want or expect much more. While a full picture on our TV screen is obviously better than just half a picture, in some areas of life, more may not always be better. Learning to be content with what we have can be a real blessing, a blessing beyond measure.
Scripture warns us about becoming consumed by the need to consume. It seems to me that a life that is full of love, joy, peace, hope and meaningful relationships, and opportunities to be present for others is more than enough. What do you think?
Let us pray. Giving God, help us discern just how much is enough. Amen.
Daily Message Author: Eric Wogen
Pastor Eric Wogen was born in Chicago, Illinois, and claims mid-western roots, even though he lived in many different places while growing up due to his father’s employment with the Pennsylvania Railroad. A graduate of Radnor High School in suburban Philadelphia, he received an AB in History from Gettysburg College and a MDiv degree from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg. His first call was to a wonderfully affirming congregation in Sellersville, PA, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Ridge Valley, where he joyfully served until being called as Assistant to the Bishop of the Southeastern Synod (LCA). He returned to parish ministry in 1979 when he was called to serve St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Hanover, PA. After more than twenty years at St. Matthew, he was called by St. Armand’s Key Lutheran Church in Sarasota, Florida to be its pastor and served there until his retirement in 2008. Full Bio
