Hello Everybody,
By the time you read this the holidays will be in full swing! From Thanksgiving through New Years Day our brains seem to shut down. Poof! It’s as if the holidays conspire to demand our attention at the expense of other matters. I’ve learned to adapt to this phenomenon in my ministerial career by keeping the focus of the church work and calendar on the holidays and not trying to do anything else. That stuff can wait until the new year arrives.
And so, let’s all enjoy the holidays to the best of our abilities and aspirations. Let’s tune into the spirit of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s while we’re experiencing their unique trappings and traditions. And, to help us more greatly feel the meaning of the holidays remember to watch some of your favorite movies of the season. If you’re looking for suggestions I would highly recommend “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” starring John Candy and Steve Martin.
This movie is much more than just a comedy about travel mishaps. It’s a powerful story about loneliness, patience, and unexpected friendship. I laugh throughout the movie and get teary-eyed at the end. Watch it. Let me know if it helped you enjoy the holidays more this year.
Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and a Prosperous New Year to everybody!
Abundant blessings,
Alden Studebaker
(November 25, 2025)
