Recently I visited a wonderful woman in the Versailles Health Care Center. In the course of our conversation she told me she and a good friend like to talk of the life that existed before most people were even alive. In a kindly manner she expressed her doubts that people of today could live the childhood she had.

Although she didn’t get into specifics I agreed with her comment. Later that evening I pondered just a few aspects. Could I eat only what was put in front of me or go hungry? No snacks, no substitutions, no soda. Could I survive without indoor plumbing, air conditioning, television, and technology? Could I raise what I eat, sew what I wear, and walk as a means of transportation instead of exercise.

Could I survive without the modern conveniences of the last 65 years? Can I even imagine having everything I own fit into one tiny drawer? Unfettered by thoughts of what to wear, what movie to watch or where to eat today we would believe our personal freedom was infringed.

Freedom never promised us money and luxuries. Rather freedom has always meant personal responsibility, instead of a reliance on governmental assistance and keeping up with the Joneses. Based on 2016 statistics, the majority of the United States population is under the age of 39, who have taken all the luxuries of today for granted, not in a spoiled manner, but purely through naiveté.

Our lifestyle and current culture makes it difficult to discipline our bodies. We are quick with the adage “the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak,” but slower with the “no pain no gain.” We look to medicine for relief at the onset of any discomfort. But any athlete or soldier will tell you strength comes through training, discipline and sacrifice. Since most of us lack a significant level of self-discipline it is little wonder why God allows pain and suffering to exist in the world.

Although many people look at suffering as unjust and evil it should actually be viewed as a gift. Suffering is inevitable and its purpose cannot be fully known by man. However we do know that suffering has the ability to turn us toward contemplative prayer, self-awareness, humility trust, compassion, and cause us to look beyond our own mortality. Pain, sorrow and suffering cannot and should not be avoided but rather embraced as a means to strengthen and purify ourselves for what lies beyond our sight.

Suffering from illness is much more difficult but it can be united with the cross and offered for the refinement of all brothers and sisters.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Don’t forget the Webster United Methodist Annual “Ice Cream Social” this Sunday from 4 – 7 p.m. Mark your calendars for the Versailles Community Garage Sales to be held July 28-29 and the Central Western Fireman’s Association convention at Heritage Park on Friday and Saturday, July 29 – 30. The public is invited to watch the competitive firefighting games. There will be vendors on hand during this event, such as the Versailles Museum who will offer ice cream, apple dumplings, brownies, etc. in the baseball concession stand off Klipstine Road on Friday 5 – 9 p.m. and Saturday from 12 – 5 p.m.

Also on the horizon is the VHS Alumni softball tournament August 5-7 and Farefest on August 20.

Thanks for all the encouragement received from my friend, Pastor David Wilson and the community mindedness of the teammates of Phelan Insurance, and for those dedicated to the Darke County Relay for Life. Congratulations to Isaac Gehret of Yorkshire, son of Jill and Gary, who will serve as this year’s Darke County Fair King beside his Queen Molly Hunt of Greenville. Also congratulations to Jenna Frantz (daughter of Sonya and Don) and Noah Pleiman (son of Michelle and Mark) who as winners of the 2016 Duck Tape® prom contest each receive a $10,000 college scholarship.

Happy birthday to Angel Borchers, Doug Myers, Rev. Ray Haley, Issac Routt, Michelle Moore, Noah Hayes, Ed Spencer, Dick Heft, Teri Unger, Jared Lyons, Lisa Berning, Ron Poling, Irene Murphy, Patty Jenkinson, Shelley Kaiser, Stacie Dirksen, Diane Schrader, Mary Buxton, Barb Hart, Judy Pepple, Emily Barton, Brandon Koverman, Kane Epperly, Kaleb Miller, Jayden Delancey, Bethany Ahrens, Krista Jones, Laura and Sonya Frantz, Aaron Moran, Karen Dues, Jane Smith, Magdalena Richard, Lisa Voisard, Colleen Post, Judi Grow, Clinton Randall, Gary Pierron, Dan Smith, Diane Kunk, Mary Adkins, and Deb Barhorst as their birthdays approach, as well as, anniversary wishes to Carrie and Bruce Borchers (9), Karen and Dave Friar (16), Beth and Doug Borchers (26), Sonnie and Bob Rhoades (41), and Linda and Mike Rhoades (44). Congratulations to Best Bite Grill on their first anniversary. Consider dining in for their $1 tenderloin sandwich special.

Please give your supportive and healing prayers for the many who are dealing with any of life’s countless challenges, and especially for Pete Ecabert, Levadia Barga, Jerry Malloy, Floren “Chris” Christman (knee replacement), Linda Henry, Susan Crocker, Patty Jenkinson, Jeanne Simon, Scott Bulcher, Paul Cordonnier, Georgie Kemper, Jack Borgerding, Dave Flatter, Norma Raterman, Rita Glick, Noah Evans, Jim Youngker (Rest Haven), Linda Wilson, Adam Schwieterman, Lois Youngker, Delores Williams, Sam Yagle, Barb Goubeaux, David Zumberger, Brian Voisard, Cyril Frantz, Dan Monnin, Michelle Ullom, John Davis, Eileen Rahm, Cyril Voisard, Barb Agne, Samantha Smith, Bob Homan and all those who are sick, suffering, hospitalized or homebound. Thank you for offering your suffering for us all and the whole world.

Sincere sympathy to the family and friends of John Penno (78) and Donald Meier (79), also remembering deep within our hearts the lives of Carolyn Long, Jackie Barlage, Mary Jean Wehrkamp, Dylan Williams, Nancy Brandt, Ruth Platfoot, Bud Bergman, Marie Kauffman, Bob Hahn, A.L. Smith, Sally Amspaugh, Harold Apple, Jack Wood, Nelson Barga, Red Elson, Don Beam, Alma Ehlers, Fredona Rethman, Viola Voisard, Florence Paulus and all those not mentioned by name as the anniversary of their recently passing nears.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” ~St. Paul

“Every cloud has a silver lining” ~Unknown

“Suffering is actually at the heart of the Christian story.” ~Unknown

“In this world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world.” ~Jesus Christ