A Time Set Aside for God

By Aidan Manuse ('25)

One of the weekly events I find most special at Jesse Remington is our chapel service. Almost every Friday, we hear from a different speaker, often from local churches, who shares a meaningful message with us.

One message that deeply resonated with me was Pastor Richie LeBlanc’s sermon on finding joy in the Lord through trials and tribulations. He shared a personal story about recently losing someone very dear to him—a mentor he saw as an uncle. Despite the grief at the funeral, the gathering was filled with joy and love as they celebrated the person’s life. Richie’s message emphasized the truth of Nehemiah 8:10: “The joy of the LORD is your strength.” He reminded us that even in suffering, Christ offers joy that carries us through tribulation.

This message struck a chord with me because I have experienced significant loss recently. Near the end of my sophomore year, my grandfather passed away on my brother’s birthday—a day meant to be joyful. Then, just this past September, I lost my best friend, my cat, who had been part of my life since I was five years old. Richie’s words reminded me that even in the midst of pain, God is stronger. He provides the strength we need to endure and find hope.

Faith Benedict (’26) also reflected on the message, saying, “It brought a lot of perspective about life itself, and not taking it for granted.” I couldn’t agree more. Every day, every minute, every second is precious. We never know when someone we love will leave us or when our own time on earth will end.

We also don’t know the day or the hour when our Savior will return, so it’s essential to cherish each day, remain present, and appreciate the life God has given us. Let’s hold onto the joy of the Lord as our strength and live each moment with gratitude. God bless!