Pastor's Note

NOBEL PRIZE WINNERS
October 21st, 2007

Every fall I enjoy the week when the Nobel Prize committee releases names of its winners in medicine, chemistry, physics, literature, peace, and economics. Over six days I usually hear names of scientists and economists whom I don’t know. It’s even more amazing when they try to explain the work of the scientists which earned the prizes.
Although I don’t know all the winners and can’t comprehend all their work, I am still edified by their efforts. For me, it is a reminder that there are many men and women in the world who make daily efforts to improve things, working hard and with great commitment, and don’t get recognition or awards.
I suspect the same is true for the Nobel Peace prize, which over the years has gone to presidents and world leaders, as well as to outspoken peasants and victims of oppression. I doubt very much these people did what they did just for a prize. Do you recall when Mother Theresa, Bishop Tutu, or Rigoberta Menchu won the prize? In these cases, they were simply trying to do what needed to be done.
Most of us will never win many prizes for our daily efforts. But we can be making accomplishments nonetheless. Our efforts for world peace can be in our families or neighborhoods, our work in literature could be a personal letter or card to someone, and in economics it may be the way we decide to use our personal resources.
Although we don’t work for prizes, it is nice to be appreciated for our hard work. To all the unnamed committed men, women, and children who are doing their best everyday to follow the Gospel, thank you and God’s blessings. May you continue the struggle!