January 16, 2026

I am listening to the news on the radio … driving in my pickup truck. The news is moderately depressing. So, I change the channel … and up pops a religious music station. The song — “When peace like a river.” The refrain goes like this: “‘It is well … it is well with my soul.” We sang this song last night in church. This is all I want in life ——- “peace” like a river … and at the end of the day … being able to say: “It is well … it is well with my soul.” This is why I treasure moments like Thursday night. The lights are low … two candles are burning on the altar … the “cup of blessing ” is there: a loaf of bread, and the words: “Jesus’ body and blood, given and shed for you.” Yes, sometimes the pace of daily life can be a bit harsh. Many of you know all too well that life can be unfair. In the middle of all this is the spirit of a humble carpenter … whose presence reminds us that there is goodness and kindness out there. It “flickers” inside the heart and soul of each one of us. And hopefully there are moments when you can quietly say: “It is well, it is well with my soul.” May God’s peace be with you …. Don