My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don't lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.  Proverbs 4:20-23

     To whose words do we listen carefully?  Have we guarded our hearts from the world's words? Have we instead paid close attention to the Word of God, Jesus our Christ?  Whose words have penetrated deep into our hearts? 

    These are difficult questions for us as we circumnavigate our way through life, especially in these trying times.  Most of us are searching, seeking for the secret meaning of life.  The world tells us that we will find it with financial success; that with financial success comes power, respect, and future security, as well as beautiful homes, clothes, and bodies.

    In the movie "City Slickers," three urban guys looking for the deeper meaning of life go on a cattle drive (why didn't they look in a church you might ask . . . except that 67% of Americans polled say that churches are "not effective").  Curly (played by Jack Palance), a rough and tough cowboy, tired of playing nursemaid to these city slickers, says to Mitch (played by Billy Crystal), "None of you get it.  Do you know what the secret of life is?  One thing, just one thing."  Mitch, in true seeker fashion says, "That's great; but what's the one thing?"  Curly replies, "That's what you gotta figure out."

    Have we figured it out?  Do we know what the one thing is?  The Scriptures tell us time and time again the answer to that question . . . unfortunately; too many of us have placed our attention elsewhere.  Too many of us have listened to and believed the world's words.  Too many of us have lost sight of the One Thing. 

    As we move into the season of Lent on Ash Wednesday, February 17, I pray that you will find your way back to the Word, that you will allow Jesus our Christ to bring you life and healing.  Will you allow the Word to penetrate deep into your heart, so that you too will find "the one thing"?  I wonder . . .

          Grace & Peace,   Pastor Anne