A Norvell Note for November 22, 2021

Vol. 24 No. 46

Sometimes It’s Hard to Be Thankful

During my visits with the people under my care last week, I read Psalms of Thanksgiving. My reasoning was simple: It’s almost Thanksgiving. If I read these Psalms, they will remember all the reasons they should be thankful. However, after each visit and as the week ended, I realized that my explanation might have instead been to remember the reasons I have to be thankful because sometimes it is hard to be thankful. 

Speaking only for me, sometimes it is hard to be thankful. The seasons of un-thankfulness are rare but real. 

Sometimes it’s hard to be thankful for the many warm days and blue skies of Texas when I miss the cooler, colorful and rainy days of Autumn in Tennessee and Virginia. Sometimes it’s hard, but I’m learning to be thankful for the light sweater weather of this Texas Autumn, and as I walked recently, the temperature was lower than usual, overcast, and I did see a yellow leaf. 

Sometimes it’s hard to be thankful for all the freedoms we have in America when I see the abuses of our liberties and injustices suffered by so many simply because of the color of their skin, their spiritual beliefs and practices, and how they choose to identify themselves. Sometimes it is hard, but I am thankful I have the freedom to speak and write and maybe bring about some small change. 

Sometimes it’s hard to be thankful for the seven years and seven months we had with Norah when I know she won’t be with us at the table on Thanksgiving Day or Christmas morning. Sometimes it’s hard, but I’m trying to be thankful for the seven years and seven months. 

Sometimes it’s hard to be thankful and say, “This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it” when I try to relive the past or try to leap into the future.” Sometimes it’s hard, but I’m trying every day to live in the moment.

I ended some of my visits by reading Psalm 136, where the writer lists reasons for being thankful and follows each statement with His faithfulness endures forever. Or, as The Message reads, “His love never quits.”

Sometimes it’s hard to be thankful, but when I take a moment to be still and know that God is God and His love never quits, the feelings of gratitude return, and I give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.

May your week be filled with reminders of God’s goodness and that His love never quits. 

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2021 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved 

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.  

A Norvell Note for November 15, 2021Vol. 24 No. 45 

When You Do Speak

There is a time to be silent, and yes, there is a time to speak. But, when you do talk, here are a few things to consider, which come from Ephesians 4:29, when the New Testament writer, Paul, shared his guidelines for living the Christian life. 

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (NIV)

Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift. (The Message)

Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. (NRSV)

Think about what you are going to say.

For many years when I read these words, I assumed the writer was saying, “Quit your cussin’ and don’t tell dirty jokes!” I have come to understand that there is a deeper meaning. Many words and expressions can be more destructive and damaging than curse words, such as hate, harmful, judgmental, abusive, and useless language. Read what you have typed out loud before hitting send on that text, email, or social media post. Do you want to say that? Before you drop that angry letter in the mail slot at the Post Office (Do you remember where the Post Office is?), read it out loud. Do you want to send it? Think about what you are going to say before you say them.

Think about your purpose for speaking. 

The text says: “but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Are you trying to say something helpful for those who listen? If not, why say it? Are you speaking to impress people or build them up? If so, be quiet. Just because you want to say something does not mean you should say it. Think about your purpose.

My intent for writing is not to shut anyone down or keep anyone from talking. Instead, my purpose is to say things and encourage others to say something worth hearing.

Let’s use our voices for good. Let’s think about what we are saying and why we are saying it.

Father, whether we are speaking to our spouse or partner, children or parents, employer or employee or co-worker, student or teacher, stranger or friend, or self, give us words that help and build up, then remind us to use those words.  

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2021 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved  

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.  

A Norvell Note for November 8, 2021

Vol. 24 No. 44

A Time to Be Silent

There is a time for everything,
    and a season for every activity under the heavens:
      a time to be born and a time to die,
    a time to plant and a time to uproot,
      a time to kill and a time to heal,
    a time to tear down and a time to build, 
      a time to weep and a time to laugh,
    a time to mourn and a time to dance,
      a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
    a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
      a time to search and a time to give up,
    a time to keep and a time to throw away,
      a time to tear and a time to mend,
    a time to be silent and a time to speak,
      a time to love and a time to hate,
    a time for war and a time for peace.

The wisest of men said, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:” As I reflect on each season (with one exception), I think, “Been there. Done that. And I am weary.” 

The statement that appeals most during this season is “there is a time to be silent.” 

The wisest of men later said, “A dream comes when there are many cares, and many words mark the speech of a fool.” 

He also said, “Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore fear God. (Ecclesiastes 5:3,7)

During this season, I have often said, read, and heard, “There are no words.” And yet, I search for words. 

Sometimes, when I listen to those who claim to have the answers to what ails the world and troubles the soul, I wish they would move into a season of silence.

Some radio and television talk show hosts and podcasters would do well to be silent and let their guests speak.

Silence is what is needed when in the presence of the Lord. Silence is appropriate when comforting a friend or family member standing near the bed of one struggling to breathe. Silence is better when with one who is grieving and preferred when attending a concert. 

Though I may wish for silence from others, the silence most needed is my own. 

Yes, there is a time to speak, but I find that being silent is often the better choice. 

In my search for words, I find peace in being silent. 

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2021 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved 

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.