Moderator’s October Message

With fall fully into swing and temperatures cooling down, there is so much going on in our homes, our church, and
our communities! Wings meetings have started up again and we’re learning so much from each other. The kids are
back in Sunday School. Fall clean up will happen in October and we’re looking forward to freshening up the
church. Along with that, every day I hear about a new fall festival or pumpkin related event. I even enjoyed a Maple
Oatmeal coffee from a local coffee shop in town this week! Yum!
With so much going on, I often have trouble prioritizing what I want to do and what I need to do, as well as what I
am able to do. I want to do everything. I want to go to Turkey Bingo (I won TWO turkeys last year!), I want to pick
apples myself and carve pumpkins, I want to go to the vendor fairs and buy a little bit of everything. I need to get
my own home ready for fall. I need to get outside and enjoy nature as much as possible before the snow makes it
impossible. (I know some people like winter sports, ice fishing, and snowmobiling. Winter is the time when ice and
gravity team up against me and I end up falling to the ground!) I need to clean up, to work, to take care of myself
and my family.
Where does that leave “I can?” Well, that is different for each of us. On really good days, I can get many of the
needs accomplished along with some of the wants. Some days, the needs have to wait. That sink full of dishes may
have to wait because my family will be here from out of town, and it’s more important right now. Some days, I
must come first. I may have a headache so bad that I leave all of the lights off and hide in my room. Occasionally
plans must be changed, needs go unmet, and wants just aren’t possible.
I want you to remember that all of this is ok. Pastor Dustin reminds us every Sunday that God meets us where we
are. If all you can do that day is get up, drink coffee, and read a book, that’s ok. If you have energy and time, come
to church clean up day. And if all you really want to do is bake goodies, be sure to drop some off for the rest of us!
The point is, no one understands what you can do except you. We at the church are to be a family to each other. We
will try hard to support each other even when we don’t understand. We will celebrate the days we have energy and
drive and ambition and support each other on the days that we don’t. Do what you can, when you can, ask for help
when you need it, and help someone else when you are able. And please, enjoy the season. Remember, this is South
Dakota. If you don’t like this weather, don’t worry, it will change. Treasure the brief moment the leaves are
beautiful, the air is crisp, and the neighborhood smells like bonfires at night. Maybe grab a bag of marshmallows!