November 29, 2006
The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen nor even touched,
but just felt in the heart.
Helen Keller
Good Morning,
Last Thursday we had our Annual Thanksgiving Dinner at the Blaisdell Center. What a great event. The day was highlighted by having 2,180 guests join us for dinner. The entertainment included Henry Kapono, several of our own music groups and Mayor Mufi Hannemann. Yes, that is correct, Mayor Hannemann, and he did a wonderful job.
Wearing the uniform during such functions is like a magnet. I lost count of the number of people who came up to me during the dinner. Every person had the same message, “Thank you so much for being here, you’ve made my day.” Oh, they said it in varying ways, but they all were so thankful. One of Mayor Hannemann’s staff commented about the large number of Senior Citizens at the dinner. We talked about the importance of having a place for our seniors to go on memory filled holidays. Positive family memories can bring an incredible sense of loneliness during this time of year to those who have lost husbands, wives and other family members. It was encouraging to see smiles on so many faces.
On Friday evening, we participated in the Waikiki Christmas Parade. While I am the first to admit that our float posed no danger to any desired award, I was humbled by the reception we received throughout the entire parade. As we moved down Kalakaua Avenue, people would shout out, “Thank you for being there,” or “Keep up the good work.” One woman yelled to me, “Thank you for yesterday.” I yelled back and asked if she was there, she said, “no, but I heard about it.”
As we drove home from the parade Jesus’ words came to me, “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) While encouraging me, the words were also a challenge. I am reminded that the reason we do all that we do is not to make The Salvation Army look good, but that people will praise our Father in heaven.
After going to an exciting University of Hawaii football game on Saturday, we struggled out of bed Sunday morning, hoarse voices and all, to make an early flight to Kauai and drove to Hanapepe for their Worship Service. However, once there we were immediately energized. Lieutenants Larry and Joy Groenleer are doing a great job and are such a blessing to be around. The corps was filled not only with people, but also with enthusiasm and excitement about the things God is doing. After the worship service, we shared in a “potluck” lunch with the people. Another lesson I have learned in my time here is that I do not think it possible to have a Salvation Army event in Hawaii without eating. The food was good, the fellowship was great, and we left filled in every way.
New York Yankee, Lou Gehrig, at his retirement speech said, “Today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth.” I know that it may sound trite, however, when Sharron and I see the way God uses The Salvation Army here in the Pacific Islands to blessings and serve people, and, have the opportunity to serve along side so many employees, officers and volunteers that are so mission focused, I do not think Lou Gehrig had anything on us.
“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel…” Philippians 1:3-5
Blessings,
d
