Dear friends of Lutheran Homes of Michigan,

Each January we share a “Verse of the Year." The selection is focused on a theme for the year, a direction we seek to reinforce, or a faith-thought that will inspire and lead us.  This year, I’d suggest the verse does all three.

The Verse of the Year for 2010 is found in 2 Corinthians 4:7:
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.”

There is a lot to think about when we reflect on this verse. Here are a few points that you might consider:

• Our residents and clients often display the frailty that comes with advanced age or chronic or terminal illness. Yet they remain treasures to us, their loved ones, and most importantly to God.  Jars of clay, particularly in Bible times, were very easily damaged or broken (frail), which is why they’re used in this verse as an example.

• We ourselves, being far from perfect, are like clay jars in our own sense; prone to struggle and even fail, yet we see our work and our co-workers as highly valued (a treasure) particularly in the context of our shared ministry.

•  Our shortcomings can leave no doubt that the success of our programs, the effectiveness of our services, and the obvious blessings of God are not our doing, but God’s.  We serve together under His “all-surpassing power”.

As you consider this verse, think about the way God uses you and those around you as vessels for His love to be carried to others.  As human “jars of clay” that is what we are, and we are blessed to have that opportunity every day in our work together at Lutheran Homes.

May God bless you and your work, even as you are blessing to those you serve each day.

Together in service,

David M. Gehm
President and CEO
Lutheran Homes of Michigan