Monday Mailing Vol 2, Ed 12

March 17, 2021

Welcome to the Monday Mailing Vol 2, Ed 12 –
First World Problems

Getting out of the bed this morning, when it was still 13 degrees outside, was an exercise in
futility. It was a four-cat night, and even as I stirred under the covers, the cats seemed to
wedge themselves in, one each side, and one top.

Once I was out of bed I learned that there was still no heat at the church (it has been an
interesting week) so it meant staying home and doing the whole “work from home” action
for yet another day.

But the computer was giving me fits and starts. And the mouse, well, in addition to the four
BIG coffee mugs the Kitty-Boys have knocked off the table in this Pandemic year, they have
not killed their second mouse. . .computer mouse, that is.

These are, as we say, First World Problems. These are problems that a lot of people around
the world wish they had, instead of the problems they really have. My friends in Malawi, the
men we work with in Marion Medical Mission (MMM) have posted selfies of them receiving
the vaccines which are available to them. . .and they give thanks, but also remind us that
while we bemoan how long we must wait, there are people in their countries (and so many
others) who do not have the luxury of the vaccine. . .and who will wait a long time before a
jab comes their way.

When you pray, move your feet (Tom Logan, founder and President of MMM routinely says.
And what he means by this is just what it suggests – all the prayers of the world will mean
nothing unless we work for some change. It is what God suggests through the prophet Amos
when the prophet records:

I hate, I despise your festivals, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. Even
though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them;
and the offerings of well-being of your fatted animals I will not look upon. Take away
from me the noise of your songs; I will not listen to the melody of your harps. But let
justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.

So, we pray for the world, but we have to do some work, as well. Sometimes that work is
physically taking part in something, like going to Africa. (Which, we have received word that
this year’s trip is off again.) Sometimes we take part in marches and rallies. Sometime the
work we do is holding those we know and love to some level of accountability when
something hurtful is said or done. Sometimes it is us who needs to change. . .to do some
work for the world in the name of Christ. . .and that is often the most difficult change of all.

Yesterday at our Virtual Presbytery meeting we focused our attention on the Presbyterian
commitments to Earth Care. I learned new things. . .and this is hard, and this is good. . .and
this too, is a First World Problem. May we pray and move our feet about the needs of the
world.


Peace

Pastor Janice