Dear friends,  

Grace and Peace to you in the name of our risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  

As you are more than aware, we all spend a lot of time talking about Covid. It’s in the news, it’s on social media, it has affected us and our loved ones, and we are reminded about it everyday. So, I don’t want to talk about Covid again in the newsletter.  

Instead, I want to remind you to notice when things are good. It’s easy to see when things are bad. But, sometimes it’s hard to make ourselves pay attention to and appreciate the good times. Please allow me to tell you about a good time I had recently.  

This past Saturday, I had the opportunity to attend the Ball State vs. Toledo football game. My first BSU game in ten years. Mike Haynes generously offered me tickets, but I had already been given tickets by a friend from Holy Trinity. My wife was out of town, so I invited Pastor Jerry O’Neal to join me for the game.

Jerry and I met a Guardian Brewing Company for lunch and then we made our way to the game. We found our seats at the 50 yard line. Out came the band, and then out came the Cardinals! There’s just something about the energy at a college football game, the passion, the drumline… I’d pick it over attending an NFL game any day of the week.  

Jerry and I talked about various topics off and on, and he asked me if I watched much sports. I told him that I used to watch A LOT of sports, but I don’t watch much anymore. Not for any particular reason, I just usually have other things going on. (Especially when football season coincides with deer hunting season.)

But, I went on to explain that it sure is hard to beat going to a college football game, on a perfect autumn day, with good company, and a good local brew in your hand. For me, it’s a “top ten” part of the “American Experience”. And, it reminded me of a favorite Kurt Vonnegut quote, “And I urge you to please notice when you are happy, and exclaim or murmur or think at some point, 'If this isn't nice, I don't know what is.”  

The Cardinals didn’t win, but that’s okay. I got to spend a beautiful day outside in the fresh air, with a good friend, and I didn’t have to think, care, or worry about anything else for a little while. It was Holy time, it was Sabbath time.  

My friends, I encourage you to find Sabbath time as well. Whether it is on a beach or in your backyard. And, when you find it, please think to yourself, “If this isn’t nice, I don’t know what is.”  

Your Sibling in Christ,

Pastor Robert