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Being
with my grandson for a few days has brought me some interesting
thoughts. Let me list some of the lessons I have learned:
-
Life
is to be lived each moment to the fullest. I saw my grandson enjoy
the smallest of activities. He could be happy just running through
a field or looking at a strange shaped rock. I marvel at his
ability to enjoy each moment of life. -
A
hug and kiss can heal all. There is more fulfilling that having a
hug and kiss and being told you are the best grandpa in the world.
I often forget that the smallest of gestures can carry great
healing. -
Humor
can also bring relief from the stress of living. My grandson told
me some jokes and some of them did not even make sense but he
laughed and enjoyed them and brought joy to my heart too. Strange
after being around this for a few moments life seems lighter. In
fact I probably take life a bit too seriously. -
Our
importance is not in what we achieve but in who we are. My grandson
thinks I am great and it is not because of what I do but rather
because I spend time with him and give him my undivided attention. -
Family
is very important to me. I love being able to spend time with my
family and need to make sure I balance my life is such a way that my
actions show they are important.
I
am sure that there was more I learned but this is enough to show that
we can learn a great deal even from small children. Enjoy the little
ones that God puts in your life.
I
have been most impressed with some of the stories floating around
about the new Pope. But today I saw an interview with Pope Francis
and this is how the interview started: “I ask Pope Francis
point-blank: “Who is Jorge Mario Bergoglio?” He stares at me in
silence. I ask him if I may ask him this question. He nods and
replies: “I do not know what might be the most fitting
description…. I am a sinner. This is the most accurate definition.
It is not a figure of speech, a literary genre. I am a sinner.” I
love that answer and it accurately describes all of us.
I
find it refreshing when a church leader admits who he is. I love the
reminder and today I am going to reflect on my own state in life and
come again before God just as I am. I believe this is the path to a
new life in Christ.
Today
I am trying to wrap my head around a subject. I wonder how much I
trust. I find myself reacting more out of fear at times than out of
love. So, today I am asking God to give me more of His grace and
love and to help my heart be more trusting.
When
I think about this topic I am beginning to realize that much of life
is out of my control. I cannot control what is happening in the
world around me. So much of what is going on around me is beyond my
control. I really don’t like it but then again I am not God. But I
guess a part of me what to be God. That is very sinful and wrong and
yet my desires at times go down that road. So, I guess my trusting
issue is really a issue of letting God be God and relaxing in His
wisdom and care. Today I am going to go forward and trust more.
I
usually take a nice long walk in the mornings. I even jog part of
it. But today I had an interruption. A person came by and then
came back and started to talk to me. He is a very troubled person
who I knew. He really just wanted someone to rabble on to. He is
not a part of the church I pastor. He talked and even quoted the
Bible to me at various points. I am sure I was not help to him. I
may have even be a source of frustration to him. But what bothered
me the most was that I had no time to myself. I need that time to be
in prayer and get my strength to carry on for the day.
Reflecting
on my experience I came to two conclusions. 1) There are hurting
people all around. 2) All people need God’s love. So, the rest of
today I am going to be kinder and more loving to all.
Yesterday
I ran what is called the Rat Race in Arthur, Illinois. It was a
great race. What made this such a great time was I was with some
wonderful friends. I don’t think about it much but I need to be more
grateful for those people in my life that support me n many ways. It
was a the race that I thought about how my friends let me joke
around. It is during such times that I find my heart floating
upward.
For
me life can get too serious at times. When that happens I lose
perspective. But it is those crazy moments that to others may appear
ridiculous that I find my life coming back to reality. So, today as
I prepare to think about all that needs to get done I am thankful for
friends that let the laughing just happen.