ACCEPTING CHANGES AND TRIALS [special guest post by Garry Knussman]

Shortly after arriving in Sioux Falls, SD, my sister-in-law asked me to speak at a chapel service the following Sunday afternoon. This post is based on the notes for that presentation.

+It is hard to be content and grateful as we age.

+Illustrations from "people we know" in past 18 months

--Three major things:
1. Man's dad died--many weeks of struggle; would not have expected this a year ago
2. Car rear-ended--long to resolve; third accident in five years
3. Fires near home--had to stay with friends

--Lesser things
1. Home repairs--plumbing, AC, etc.
2. New cell phone--old one didn't work
3. TV, Internet changes, challenges
4. Regular phone out 2x--no problem with it for years
5. Work deadline surprised, caused overtime

--Lessons
1. God remains sovereign, unchanging: James 4:15 [favorite]; Malachi 3:6a
2. Patience--Galatians 5:22 [fruits]
3. Perseverance--Luke 18:7
4. Contentment--Philippians 4:11-12, 19
5. Gratitude--1 Thessalonians 5:18

--Who are the "people we know"?
--Us! (That is, my wife and me.)