Rev. Klockers: Remembering to say ‘thank you'

From Psalm 18, verses 1–6a, using the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible: “I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I called upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, so I shall be saved from my enemies. The cords of death encompassed me; the torrents of perdition assailed me; the cords of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help.”

Years ago, when I was a student in seminary, in our first year of training, we participated in “teaching parishes.” These were churches assigned to us. We were charged to assist these parishes determined by their pastor. These parishes would also be our place for Sunday worship.

My teaching parish was served by a solo pastor that I will refer here to as “Reverend Jim.” I both admired and respected Reverend Jim. He preached a good sermon. He was both quite knowledgeable of the Bible and an avid student of the holy book. He was a humble man who related well to people. Yes, there was a lot to like about him.

Over the span of a year, Reverend Jim shared with me many stories. One of the most memorable was when he experienced an earthquake. He told me that it was one of the bigger ones that he had been through. It shook his home violently. He said that everything was rattling and shaking. Reverend Jim told me that it was then that he cried out to God for help.

Thankfully, the shaking eventually subsided. There were no aftershocks that he could feel. Reverend Jim felt fortunate. After collecting himself, he continued on with his list of duties.

The next day, while going about his business, Reverend Jim paused for a moment of reflection. It was then that he realized he had forgotten something from yesterday.

After the earthquake, he then realized that he had not thanked God. So, he did so on the spot.

This is a story that has always stayed with me.

Like Reverend Jim, there may be times that we may forget to thank God. It is never too late to do so.

How about now?

Walter is pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Moses Lake and has served as parish pastor for more than 30 years.