Nebraska Synod ELCA

by Lonna Grabenstein

 The Lord said to Elijah, “Go. Stand in front of me on the mountain. I will pass by you.” Then a very strong wind blew. It caused the mountains to break apart. It broke apart large rocks in front of the Lord. But the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind, there was an earthquake. But the Lord was not in the earthquake. ¹² After the earthquake, there was a fire. But the Lord was not in the fire. After the fire, there was a quiet, gentle voice. 1 Kings 19:11-12    International Children’s Bible (ICB)

One Small Voice…

Our granddaughter Eloise’s 4^th-grade class presented a Veterans Day Program in Gretna on November 7^th, 2024, two days after the election results. On the screen behind the chorus, a slide show of the honored veterans continuously played. One picture was of my handsome dad in his WWII bomber jacket. Their songs were delightful and brought back memories. I was filled with all the “feels” that night.  A beautiful tribute to our Veterans and how God has blessed America was applauded by all.

As we picked up our chairs, I heard, “Hey you…Hey you…Hey You!” I turned to the voice and said, “Oh, Hello!” A hand was stretched out to me, and a small freckled-faced boy dressed in a red sweater said, “I’m Sam!” “Sam, I’m Lonna!” He said, “You sang every song right along with us. I watched you. You like to sing.” “Well, Sam, that was a great program. It was very meaningful.” Sam, looking at me, said, “You were crying. I just want to tell you it’s going to be o.k.”

One small voice lifted me with Hope. We shook hands again, and Sam turned to walk away with his older brother.  He turned to look at me and said, “I hope to see you again!”

Gracious God, Teach us to trust in you, never disbelieving the one small “Hey you,” sent by the power of the Holy Spirit to fill us up with Your Hope, Your Peace, Your Love, Your Joy. We pray in Your Son’s name, our Emmanuel!  Amen!

Lonna is a city – girl who turned country when she married Lyle Grabenstein 51 years ago. They raised 4 children and in time added 4 spouses then 10 grandkiddos keeping them busy with concerts, ballgames, 4-H, and are active in their churches. Lonna has been a Certified PMA 1996, supply preaches and is a Chaplain for Brookestone Home Health and Hospice in Holdrege, Nebraska.