INSPIRASUNS

Yesterday, a group of parishioners gathered in our parish hall to set up for an event we’ve held for the past three years. It’s the annual backpack drive. You see, there is a wonderful organization here that collects pre-filled backpacks with school supplies for underserved children. There is an option to provide backpacks for any school-age group; we usually focus on the 3rd – 5th grade level. Yesterday, several people gathered to set up the staging tables.

Parishioners donate towards the supplies. Our team purchases everything in bulk, and then on the appointed Sunday, there is basically an assembly line of people putting together the packs. It’s a fun way to get to know other parishioners while serving the community in a small way. Over the past few years, we’ve provided 100 fully stocked backpacks and donated the extra supplies.

I bring up this event because, unlike our time at the beach on Sunday, I felt good watching it come together. Everyone loves this event. The thought of these little ones going to school with a brand new backpack of their own, filled with new supplies, well, it makes you smile. It’s a small thing, but it does make a difference.

On another note, I wanted to give an update on Indiana Feek. I wrote about her in this little blog yesterday. Her father posted on social media late yesterday afternoon that, after being at the hospital for several hours, Indy’s surgery was postponed until today. Her surgeon had an emergency surgery he had to perform, so Indy’s surgery was moved to this morning. So, keep those prayers coming.

So many of you reached out to me yesterday, saying that you, too, follow this special family. And…several of you, like me, mailed a get-well card to Indiana.

As I think about the events of yesterday, I’m reminded that there is good in this world. Some days we have to look for it, but Jesus is at work in our lives. Let’s keep asking the Lord to guide our steps to being more like Him. If we can focus on that, then yes, this world will be a better place.

Thanks, friends, for being here. Keep lifting those prayers for Indy, and please also keep Emily Rea in your prayers as well.

Galatians 6:9
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.