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- “Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by?

    Look around and see.

Is any suffering like my suffering?

 Lamentations 1:12a


         It was Holy Week, twenty-three years ago, but I remember it like it was yesterday. It was my first year as conductor of the Council Rock Elementary Honors Band. The big concert was coming up and I had nothing suitable to wear for the event. It had to be a single dark color from the back so as not to detract from the kids in the band. We had worked very hard on the music and these kids were pumped! The concert was on the high school stage. This a was a very big deal.


         I had heard about a dress shop in Ephrata, PA that had a large inventory. I was sure to find something that worked for the occasion. The only day I had available was Friday for the two-hour drive to and from Ephrata and time to shop. I started out at 8:30 in the morning so that I could get to the store close to opening. 


         The information was correct. There were lots of dresses to choose from. After looking around and trying on multiple dresses, I found the perfect one. It was solid navy from the back, but had the appearance of a formal suit from the front. It was comfortable and easily accommodated the arm movements required for conducting this very large band. The price fit my budget. I left the store, pleased with the whole process.


         As I left the store and walked to my car, I noticed a small crowd of people at the corner. Then it hit me! There on the corner was a cross with a man hanging from it. The verse above slammed into me as if I had been hit by a car. I had spent the day thinking only of myself while Jesus hung there, dying for my sins. I stood and cried. When I got into my car, I prayed. 



Lord Jesus, forgive me. For all the times I fail to see your love, for all the times I fail to extend that love to those around me, for all the times I fail to recognize the opportunity to speak of your love in words and actions, I am so very sorry. Thank you for your sacrifice of love and grace. Amen.

                                                                                               Sue Uzelmeier



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St. John's Ivyland
820 Almshouse Road
Ivyland, PA 18974
215-357-6998
stjohnsivyland.com
Rev. Brad Leight, Pastor