Thank You, Noah

Thank you, Noah Smith, for reminding us what really matters in life.

If you were in worship yesterday you heard the story of our church member Noah Smith, who when he went to first grade this year in a local public school had to answer questions about himself.  He had to share his favorite color, his favorite movie, those sorts of things.  But his best answer was to the last question.  “The most important thing about me is ________”

To which Noah wrote, “That God made me.”

Noah learned that from his parents, but he also learned it from the church.  It was one of our themes at Vacation Bible School last summer, and thanks to you, that lesson made a difference in his life.

Among the many things for which I am grateful, I give thanks for Sunday School teachers and VBS workers and OnCore leaders who spend time helping our children grow up knowing that they are created and loved by God.  It really does make a difference in their lives.

And I give thanks for the hundreds of people who are praying for our children, and who are supporting this ministry with their financial gifts.  God uses our gifts to make a difference in the lives of children like Noah. 

In fact, I’m constantly amazed at the stories I hear of ways in which the ministry of Roswell Presbyterian Church impacts people’s lives.  Thank you for the gifts you give which enable that ministry to continue. 

Noah was right on target with his answer, and I can’t help but think what a difference it would make in the world if we all treated ourselves and each other that way.  Think what a difference it would make if we all knew that we were children of God, created and loved by God.  Prejudice and bigotry would be gone.  Dignity and respect would be restored. Bullying would be a thing of the past, and verbal insults would end. Civil discourse would return, and we would learn once again how to “disagree agreeably.”

Thank you, Noah, for reminding us what really matters.  And thank you, Roswell Presbyterian Church, for committing your time, your energy, and your financial resources to help us all be taught that important lesson. 

We’re not there yet, but we’re learning.  And it really does make a difference.

Dr. Lane Alderman
Roswell Presbyterian Church
http://www.roswellpres.org