Pastor Bruce’s blog

I’m back in my office today after our trip south.  When we were in the car last weekend I received a message from a friend regarding the murders here in Brockport and then more murders in Canangaigua.  It was quite the shock, as our town and region aren’t usually the kind of places where such violent crime is committed.  That was on top of the news of the plane crash in Clarence where 50 people perished near the Buffalo airport.  And it may seem unrelated, but a blanket of snow is falling as I look out my window.  It’s covering everything.

Our area is blanketed with sorrow, anger and loss.  It’s covering everything.  It’s hard to put into words how the families of the victims of these two violent incidents must feel, but our community is overwhelmed by the darkness of these tragedies. 

I know that in the case of the plane crash that some of the dead were believers.  Their families are grieving horribly, but they are trusting their loved one to the Lord.  And that brings me to my point.  When sorrow blankets a family, a community, a region, even a nation, the Lord shows Himself to be the answer every time.  Where can you find peace, resolve, or even the understanding needed to overcome tragedy?  It’s always found in Him.  He gives hope, He gives assurance, He promises justice and He will be your Savior, if you call on Him.  If you’re grieving, today or any day, call on the Lord and He will answer.  His blessings, PB

Robin, the girls, and two of our sons came along with us to visit our married son and his wonderful wife.  It’s been great to see their house for the first time, spend time having fun, talking, playing games and attending their church.  It’s the night before we’re heading back home and I’m beginning to think again about how life does change. 

It was only two years ago that our married children had their wedding at Hamlin Beach State Park, their favorite place and one of mine too.  The wedding was long anticipated and even though it rained some on that day, it was a beautiful time.  Somewhere near the middle of the reception, also in Hamlin, they slipped away to their new life together.  A friend took a photo of them holding hands and heading for their car and their future.  That photo sort of haunted me.  The boy we raised was now the husband in a new family.  So here we are today, leaving these two again, now in a distant city, a nice place, but far away from our home town.  And I keep thinking, life changes.  They have settled here in North Carolina, bought a home and are putting down roots.  I feel a strange emotion as I plan the trip back tomorrow.  Sort of full and sort of sad.  I don’t know how else to explain it.

Our other sons and daughters are still living in Brockport.  For how long I don’t know.  They are embracing their own calling, destiny and destination.  Will we stay close?  Perhaps only in heart, as there are so many options for their futures.  And I think, Lord, I love these kids.  I want them to stay near, as they are such a joy and a comfort to have close.  Yet, life does change.  I release them to whatever it is that you have for them in life, Lord.  They belong to You.  They are yours to direct.  You are the only Constant when all else becomes something else, somewhere else.  I embrace the changes because I can trust You to never change.  His blessings, PB