By Pastor Mark Woodward
Maple Leaf Parish of the UMC Cherry Grove, Fountain, Preston, and Spring Valley: Faith
Churches (and Lenora)
It was a happy and fun night for the Cherry Grove 4th of July Cowboy Church Service. People thoroughly enjoyed the evening with upbeat music, good messages and friendly fellowship. In honor of the 250th birthday of the United States, George and Martha Washington (Richard and Cheryl Serfling) and Thomas Jefferson (Gary Froiland) were on hand for the festivities. It was a very happy evening of celebrating Independence Day!!
When it came time to go home, I gathered things together and headed out to my van parked in the church parking lot. Much to my dismay, I noticed a large, metal staple poking into one of my rear tires … the tire was completely flat! (Thankfully, only flat on the bottom!) I thought for a moment of what I was going to do. Right away, “George and Martha Washington” offered me a ride home!!! I was so grateful for their kindness! Riding with the “Washingtons” in their car I wondered what people might think!!! We made quite a sight going down the road! “George and Martha” were quite stylish with their 1700s era clothing!!!
I thanked them for their kindness in getting me home. I was truly grateful. As I went to bed that night, I thought and prayed about how to get the flat tire fixed or replaced. I drifted off to sleep giving thanks for the blessings of the day.
In the morning I awoke and continued praying and thinking about what to do next. I thought about my friends at Preston Service Plus and I asked Justin Jones what he’d recommend. I told him that “George and Martha Washington” had helped me the night before in getting me home, but now I needed his advice and help. Justin smiled when I told him the story involving “George and Martha,” and right away he stepped up and said, “Don’t worry about it … we have a plan and we’ll take care of you … we’ll take care of the flat tire!”
Wow! Justin and my friends at Preston Service Plus stepped up and helped me in my time of need. Through prayer and genuine gratitude my tire dilemma was resolved.
Moral of the story: Prayer, kindness and gratitude make all the difference in our daily lives. As we go though life, we will have challenges and troubles and life will not always be easy. We need God’s guidance and we need the support of one another. George and Martha Washington got me home that night from Cherry Grove Cowboy Church and Justin Jones and his team at Preston Service Plus took care of my flat tire. I am definitely grateful for their kindness and help. So, in all things we need to pray and seek God’s guidance each day … and it is important be thankful as others help us and as we help others.
I have never ridden in a car driven by George Washington … it was a blessed and holy experience! Praise be to God!
God’s blessings always. Please know how much you are loved.
Your friend,
Pastor Mark Woodward
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