By God’s Side: January 27, 2021

Weekly Inspirational Reflections from the Reverend Dr. John A. Dalles

January 27, 2021: Regretfulness

Thank you all for your very kind and thoughtful messages and phone calls regarding our days dwindling down to a precious few, as the song lyrics go. As many of you have expressed, so, too, we wish that our time of farewell could be in person – that we could have a chance to visit with you “in 3-D,” and reminisce about the times we have shared together in these past two years. However, because of the COVID-19 concerns, we will not be able to do that.

We could put ourselves in a mood of regretfulness. But that would not be very Biblical. Moreover, it is not overly grammatical either, since spell check does not recognize the word “regretfulness.” If you type it in Microsoft Word, it shows up with a red line underneath; a warning to avoid using it.

Avoid regretfulness? That is good thing.

God works in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform. We may see glimpses of them now, or understand them more fully in the future. Either way, we know that God is working His purpose out, not only as year succeeds to year, but also as day succeeds to day.

Over the next several weeks, what will you be doing? I will be doing things like boxing up the books in my office, and making sure that the church staff has whatever it needs from me before I go. I also will be holding you in my heart and in my prayers, as I do.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:6-7

The Reverend Dr. John A. Dalles
Interim Senior Pastor, Shadyside Presbyterian Church

About Dr. Dalles

Read more about Dr. Dalles.

Watch a brief video introducing a series of conversations with Dr. Dalles.

About By God’s Side

Shadyside Presbyterian Church publishes By God’s Side, a weekly series of inspirational reflections from the Reverend Dr. John A. Dalles, to support you in your spiritual journey. These pastoral messages appear in the blog section of the church website each week. (Our weekly e-newsletter includes an excerpt to remind you to read along with us regularly; click here to subscribe to the e-newsletter if you do not already receive it.) We hope this regular feature will help you to draw closer to God’s side in your life of faith.

Read more reflections by Dr. Dalles from By God’s Side.