A Bright Light

January 16, 2022
 
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius
 
If you haven’t figured it out, I love to tell stories.  A storyteller can capture the attention and imagination of the listener.  Over my lifetime, I’ve met only two or three imaginative storytellers.
 
My stories, when my brain is wired, can be whimsical or serious.  Sometimes they bear a hint of truth and at other times, are obviously so far fetched that one of my friends says of me, “He’s just not quite right.”  I’m O.K. with being a little eccentric once in a while. 😊 It keeps everyone engaged.  Here’s one short story for you….
 
There was a quasi-famous lady who lived in Fort Dodge, Ann Smeltzer.  The only child of an only child of an only child, she possessed heirlooms that that live on and benefit Fort Dodge today.  In her possession, and now probably locked up for safe keeping, was a gold button off George Washington’s coat.  She also owned the sword of General Lafayette, who fought along side and, in fact, led American troops in the Revolutionary War.  Did you know that under her rugs in her house were stashed thousands of dollars of uncashed checks?  A multi-millionaire to be sure.  But here’s the really eccentric part of her life.  Her family made their fortune in gypsum.  Her wealth came from strip-mining the ground.  In her later years, she didn’t want her tenant farmers to pollute the ground she owned with chemicals to control weeds.  From her family forever scarring the ground to acquire wealth, to Ann Smeltzer protecting the ground later in life, I say, good for her!
 
I met her only one time.  She came into my office to ask if we would make a copy for her.  For some reason, the secretary did not close the lid on the copier.  A bright light shown forth and Ann Smeltzer instantly covered her eyes and exclaimed, “I’ve been blinded! Oh my!”  Still believing she had been blinded by a great light, with hands over her eyes, she left. I praise God a lawsuit didn’t follow. 😊
 
But speaking of a great light---Jesus says in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world.”  Have you seen the light or are you blinded by the darkness?
 
Walk in the LIGHT!
Pastor Allan
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