My soul’s at rest watching season’s first snowflakes silently drape their pristine white blanket over the home He has given us here down in the ‘holler’ by the ‘crick’ in this awesome corner of His creation called The Great Smoky Mountains. We are so blessed!

I find myself asking the humbling, grateful “Why me?” once asked by a small child . . . the ultimate “Why?” of life itself answered by another child in a manger some 2,000 years ago.  Here’s the “Why me?” story of that small child.  Our prayer is that each of your souls are at rest knowing the “Why me?”  love, joy and peace His child in the manger brought from heaven to earth for each of us to experience this Christmas, throughout the year, and for all of eternity because of Jesus.

                                                                “Why me?”

A few years ago, a poorly adjusted, unkempt youth named Tim (not his real name) was converted to Christ in an evangelistic crusade.  A few days later, still unkempt but bathed in the love of Christ, he was sent to my home so that I could help him find a good church.  And so it was he began attending mine.  Though Tim needed and received much loving help in personal grooming and basic social graces, one characteristic has remained unchanged – his untamed love for his Savior.

 One Sunday after church Tim rushed to my side, looking somewhat perplexed.  He lamented, “Why me.  I keep asking myself, why me?”  Oh, no, I thought, he’s become another complaining Christian.  Then with arms outstretched, he went on to say, “Out of all the people in the world who are greater and smarter than I am, why did God choose me?”  With that he joyfully clapped his hands.

 Over the years I’ve heard many Christians, including myself, ask “Why me?” during tough times.  But Tim is the first one I’ve heard ask that question when talking about God’s blessings.  Many were converted the same night as Tim, but I wonder how many among them have humbly asked, “Why me?”   May we ask it often. – Joanie Yoder                                                                                                                                                                                                                       †

                                                                                                 ^

                                                  Keep Looking Up,

Merry Christmas !!!