A very good friend of mine who is also a brother in Christ has a really neat way of explaining the difference between believing in God and having a personal relationship with Him. He says, think about when you are in city traffic how easy it is for people to cut you off or be rude to you. It’s almost like you weren’t even there! But of course you are there and they know you're there. So why is it?
It’s because they don’t know you. They know you exist because they can see you and they know that cars don’t drive themselves. They know there is a real bona fide person behind the wheel with a life of their own to live but they don’t know you personally so they don’t think twice about pulling out in front of you and making your wait for them. If they were getting ready to pull out but realized that you were their friend from work, or their neighbour, or their mother in law (OK bad example) then they would act very different toward you.
Derek says that it is the same way with people and God. Lots of people would say they believe in God, but it has little to no effect on the way they live their lives. Why? Because, while they give some kind of mental assent to His existence, they don’t know Him; they do not have a relationship with Him; they don’t talk with Him or listen to His Word or concern themselves with what concerns Him.
I think he’s right. What do you think? Share your comment.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
The Old Story Behind The News
For most of us today, the news comes to us in snippets. It’s not that more information isn’t available to us. We live in the information age! But we only make time in our busy lives for these short sound bites. In spite of this we tend to draw broad reaching conclusions from these very narrow slices of truth. We become myopic as if viewing life through a drinking straw.
When it comes to the situation in Haiti there is undoubtedly more ignorance than knowledge in the public mind. As usual, most of us are woefully ignorant of the critical truths of history that tell the real story behind the story. And so we end up drawing conclusions from our ignorance. In our own self righteousness, some of us are tempted to think that the people of Haiti have brought all of this on themselves somehow. We become like the disciples of Jesus who, having seen the blind man (Jn 9) asked Jesus who had sinned that he was born blind - was it him or his parents? We become like Job's comforters who just couldn't consider that maybe Job hadn't done some horrible thing to bring all of this on himself. I know that sin has consequences but it isn't always our own sin that gets us. The truth is that it is quite often the sins of others committed against us. And in those times the blood cries out from the ground.
I know you likely don’t have time for a history lesson but if you can take even 5 to 10 minutes you would do well to consider the historical background. It is the old story of greed, slavery, colonialism and oppression.
Canadian singer/song writer Steve Bell has written an excellent little blog about Haiti’s past that is well done but concise. It is worth your time. It’s entitled, ‘Debt, Dictatorship & Disaster’.
When it comes to the situation in Haiti there is undoubtedly more ignorance than knowledge in the public mind. As usual, most of us are woefully ignorant of the critical truths of history that tell the real story behind the story. And so we end up drawing conclusions from our ignorance. In our own self righteousness, some of us are tempted to think that the people of Haiti have brought all of this on themselves somehow. We become like the disciples of Jesus who, having seen the blind man (Jn 9) asked Jesus who had sinned that he was born blind - was it him or his parents? We become like Job's comforters who just couldn't consider that maybe Job hadn't done some horrible thing to bring all of this on himself. I know that sin has consequences but it isn't always our own sin that gets us. The truth is that it is quite often the sins of others committed against us. And in those times the blood cries out from the ground.
I know you likely don’t have time for a history lesson but if you can take even 5 to 10 minutes you would do well to consider the historical background. It is the old story of greed, slavery, colonialism and oppression.
Canadian singer/song writer Steve Bell has written an excellent little blog about Haiti’s past that is well done but concise. It is worth your time. It’s entitled, ‘Debt, Dictatorship & Disaster’.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
RUINS
Maybe you read the ‘Our Daily Bread’ devotional each day from RBC. The reading yesterday was from Lamentations Chapter 3, verses 22,23:
“Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
These are very familiar and oft quoted words for many Christians. But as I read the larger context I was struck by the obvious parallel in my mind. Jeremiah is called the 'weeping prophet' and the book of 'lamentations' is his book of tears. He wrote these words as he looked over the ruins of his beloved nation. It is almost as if he was sitting in the rubble. And maybe he was. I could just picture it. Maybe it was the images from the news these days that combined with these words that so easily, yet disturbingly, became such a vivid picture in my mind…
1 I am the man who has seen affliction
by the rod of his wrath.
2 He has driven me away and made me walk
in darkness rather than light;
3 indeed, he has turned his hand against me
again and again, all day long.
4 He has made my skin and my flesh grow old
and has broken my bones.
5 He has besieged me and surrounded me
with bitterness and hardship.
6 He has made me dwell in darkness
like those long dead.
7 He has walled me in so I cannot escape;
he has weighed me down with chains.
8 Even when I call out or cry for help,
he shuts out my prayer.
9 He has barred my way with blocks of stone;
he has made my paths crooked.
10 Like a bear lying in wait,
like a lion in hiding,
11 he dragged me from the path and mangled me
and left me without help.
12 He drew his bow
and made me the target for his arrows.
13 He pierced my heart
with arrows from his quiver.
14 I became the laughingstock of all my people;
they mock me in song all day long.
15 He has filled me with bitter herbs
and sated me with gall.
16 He has broken my teeth with gravel;
he has trampled me in the dust.
17 I have been deprived of peace;
I have forgotten what prosperity is.
18 So I say, "My splendor is gone
and all that I had hoped from the LORD."
19 I remember my affliction and my wandering,
the bitterness and the gall.
20 I well remember them,
and my soul is downcast within me.
21 Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24 I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."
25 The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;
26 it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD.
27 It is good for a man to bear the yoke
while he is young.
28 Let him sit alone in silence,
for the LORD has laid it on him.
29 Let him bury his face in the dust—
there may yet be hope.
30 Let him offer his cheek to one who would strike him,
and let him be filled with disgrace.
31 For men are not cast off
by the Lord forever.
32 Though he brings grief, he will show compassion,
so great is his unfailing love.
33 For he does not willingly bring affliction
or grief to the children of men.
34 To crush underfoot
all prisoners in the land,
35 to deny a man his rights
before the Most High,
36 to deprive a man of justice—
would not the Lord see such things?
37 Who can speak and have it happen
if the Lord has not decreed it?
38 Is it not from the mouth of the Most High
that both calamities and good things come?
39 Why should any living man complain
when punished for his sins?
40 Let us examine our ways and test them,
and let us return to the LORD.
41 Let us lift up our hearts and our hands
to God in heaven, and say:
42 "We have sinned and rebelled
and you have not forgiven.
43 "You have covered yourself with anger and pursued us;
you have slain without pity.
44 You have covered yourself with a cloud
so that no prayer can get through.
45 You have made us scum and refuse
among the nations.
46 "All our enemies have opened their mouths
wide against us.
47 We have suffered terror and pitfalls,
ruin and destruction."
48 Streams of tears flow from my eyes
because my people are destroyed.
49 My eyes will flow unceasingly,
without relief,
50 until the LORD looks down
from heaven and sees.
…
55 I called on your name, O LORD,
from the depths of the pit.
56 You heard my plea: "Do not close your ears
to my cry for relief."
57 You came near when I called you,
and you said, "Do not fear."
58 O Lord, you took up my case;
you redeemed my life.
59 You have seen, O LORD, the wrong done to me.
Uphold my cause!
“Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
These are very familiar and oft quoted words for many Christians. But as I read the larger context I was struck by the obvious parallel in my mind. Jeremiah is called the 'weeping prophet' and the book of 'lamentations' is his book of tears. He wrote these words as he looked over the ruins of his beloved nation. It is almost as if he was sitting in the rubble. And maybe he was. I could just picture it. Maybe it was the images from the news these days that combined with these words that so easily, yet disturbingly, became such a vivid picture in my mind…
1 I am the man who has seen affliction
by the rod of his wrath.
2 He has driven me away and made me walk
in darkness rather than light;
3 indeed, he has turned his hand against me
again and again, all day long.
4 He has made my skin and my flesh grow old
and has broken my bones.
5 He has besieged me and surrounded me
with bitterness and hardship.
6 He has made me dwell in darkness
like those long dead.
7 He has walled me in so I cannot escape;
he has weighed me down with chains.
8 Even when I call out or cry for help,
he shuts out my prayer.
9 He has barred my way with blocks of stone;
he has made my paths crooked.
10 Like a bear lying in wait,
like a lion in hiding,
11 he dragged me from the path and mangled me
and left me without help.
12 He drew his bow
and made me the target for his arrows.
13 He pierced my heart
with arrows from his quiver.
14 I became the laughingstock of all my people;
they mock me in song all day long.
15 He has filled me with bitter herbs
and sated me with gall.
16 He has broken my teeth with gravel;
he has trampled me in the dust.
17 I have been deprived of peace;
I have forgotten what prosperity is.
18 So I say, "My splendor is gone
and all that I had hoped from the LORD."
19 I remember my affliction and my wandering,
the bitterness and the gall.
20 I well remember them,
and my soul is downcast within me.
21 Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24 I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."
25 The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;
26 it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD.
27 It is good for a man to bear the yoke
while he is young.
28 Let him sit alone in silence,
for the LORD has laid it on him.
29 Let him bury his face in the dust—
there may yet be hope.
30 Let him offer his cheek to one who would strike him,
and let him be filled with disgrace.
31 For men are not cast off
by the Lord forever.
32 Though he brings grief, he will show compassion,
so great is his unfailing love.
33 For he does not willingly bring affliction
or grief to the children of men.
34 To crush underfoot
all prisoners in the land,
35 to deny a man his rights
before the Most High,
36 to deprive a man of justice—
would not the Lord see such things?
37 Who can speak and have it happen
if the Lord has not decreed it?
38 Is it not from the mouth of the Most High
that both calamities and good things come?
39 Why should any living man complain
when punished for his sins?
40 Let us examine our ways and test them,
and let us return to the LORD.
41 Let us lift up our hearts and our hands
to God in heaven, and say:
42 "We have sinned and rebelled
and you have not forgiven.
43 "You have covered yourself with anger and pursued us;
you have slain without pity.
44 You have covered yourself with a cloud
so that no prayer can get through.
45 You have made us scum and refuse
among the nations.
46 "All our enemies have opened their mouths
wide against us.
47 We have suffered terror and pitfalls,
ruin and destruction."
48 Streams of tears flow from my eyes
because my people are destroyed.
49 My eyes will flow unceasingly,
without relief,
50 until the LORD looks down
from heaven and sees.
…
55 I called on your name, O LORD,
from the depths of the pit.
56 You heard my plea: "Do not close your ears
to my cry for relief."
57 You came near when I called you,
and you said, "Do not fear."
58 O Lord, you took up my case;
you redeemed my life.
59 You have seen, O LORD, the wrong done to me.
Uphold my cause!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Pray for Haiti
The news and pictures coming out of Haiti since the massive earthquake Tuesday night leave one speechless. It is a disaster of epic proportions and the world seems to be rushing to help. The initial obstacles are likely to hinder the kind of rescue aid required immediately and we really need to pray for those trapped and injured as well as those mobilizing to help.
One of those missing is Mark Gallagher who is an RCMP officer from our region who is part of a UN training mission to Haiti. He had just returned to the country that very day and had called his wife Lisa that evening to say that he was heading straight for his apartment to get some much needed rest after a very long day of travel.
I had a conversation with Mark back in the fall at Alex and April’s wedding reception (Mark is Alex’s uncle). At the time he had just flown back home from Haiti surprising his wife and family. He was telling me about Haiti and I can still see his face in my mind as he tried to describe what it was like to travel from here to there; here where we have so much and there were they have so little.
There are only two things that most of us can do at this point. One is pray. The other is give.
There are a number of good relief agencies for sure but if you are not sure how to go about helping, here is one of the best: Samaritan's Purse
One of those missing is Mark Gallagher who is an RCMP officer from our region who is part of a UN training mission to Haiti. He had just returned to the country that very day and had called his wife Lisa that evening to say that he was heading straight for his apartment to get some much needed rest after a very long day of travel.
I had a conversation with Mark back in the fall at Alex and April’s wedding reception (Mark is Alex’s uncle). At the time he had just flown back home from Haiti surprising his wife and family. He was telling me about Haiti and I can still see his face in my mind as he tried to describe what it was like to travel from here to there; here where we have so much and there were they have so little.
There are only two things that most of us can do at this point. One is pray. The other is give.
There are a number of good relief agencies for sure but if you are not sure how to go about helping, here is one of the best: Samaritan's Purse
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
The Tortoise & The Hippo
You’ve probably heard the story of the tortoise and the hare - one of Aesop’s fables I believe. This is the story of the tortoise and the hippo. No, they weren’t in a race but that would make for an interesting story too! I mentioned this one Sunday morning to the folks during this year’s ‘Vision Talk’ and I thought some of you might be interested in some more of the story.
Apparently, this baby hippopotamus (like the one you wanted for Christmas maybe) was separated from its mother and swept down the Sabaki River that flows into the Indian ocean. He was forced back to shore when the tsunami waves struck the Kenyan coastline in December of 2006.
Even though he was less than a year old, this baby (his name is Owen) weighed in at about 650 lbs. And he has adopted a 100 year old male tortoise as his new mother! According to Paula Kahumbu, an ecologist with the Park system in Nairobi, the two swim, eat and sleep together and the baby hippo follows the tortoise around, just like baby hippos follow their mothers around.
You’ve also likely heard the story (another of Aesop’s fables I believe) of the ugly duckling. It is the story about babies getting switched at birth and how a little guy who believes he is an ugly ducking is actually a beautiful swan.
The big moral of the story of the tortoise and the hare is don’t get cocky. The moral of the story of the ugly duckling is even if you think you’re ugly there is someone out there who thinks you’re fantastic. You only need to find them. Or it could also be that knowing who and what you really are makes all the difference in the world. Both of these are stories of mistaken identity.
And what of the tortoise and the hippo? Well, it is also a story of mistaken identity of sorts. And as for a moral, there might be a few but here’s one - thinking something doesn’t make it so. The little guy might think he’s a turtle but …
My point on Sunday was about how the word ‘church’ gets used in our society in ways that bare no resemblance to the meaning of the word according to every usage occurring in the Bible. Just as calling yourself a Christian doesn’t make you one, so calling ourselves a church doesn’t make it so. The church is not a building. The church is a people called by Jesus to follow Him. The church is not a program. We are His body in the world, His hands and feet to do His will. The church isn’t a gathering either. Whether we gather for strength and support or whether we are scattered like seeds flung into the world, we are His church as we collectively trust in and live for Him. The church consists of those who know Him and are indwelt by His Spirit, compelled by His love and propelled by His power; moved by Him to be a force in this world that according to Jesus will prevail even against the gates of hell itself. The most important thing about being the church is understanding what Jesus had in mind when He said, “I will build my church”.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Waiting Our Turn
I managed to make it almost through the holiday season without waiting in line to buy something. Shopping is actually something I really don’t mind doing. It’s the big box store shopping experience that I have an aversion to. I used to love to go ‘shopping’ at the old country stores when I was a kid. Remember that? But that was something different wasn’t it!
However, line-ups are a part of life. Whether it is at a check out … a bank … a stop light … the dentist’s office… And line-ups always make me think. Maybe it’s because line-ups are one of those necessarily occasions when you have little else to do but think? Heaven forbid we talk to complete strangers! But I think line-ups have something to teach us; probably more than one thing but at least this – showing consideration for others is accepted as a basic human moral code.
By that, I don’t mean that we are always considerate or that we don’t try and get ahead. I have seen some pretty inconsiderate people in line-ups and more than a few people try and ‘jump the cue’. But then watch how others respond when that happens! Remember how the fur flew when that hockey team in Alberta got their H1N1 shots before others!!!
Our society might be questioning a lot of the old values and moral standards, but if you try butting in line Buddy… no one is taking your case! Do you hear me!!! You are a sinner and a dirty rotten despicable one at that! There is little hope for you because you’re just plain rude!
Even just the fact that line-ups exist! In this country at least, it is universally understood. We do it automatically without even thinking! And that shows a very basic acknowledgment of human equality. Think about it. And what would our world be like without them? Some of you would like to find out maybe! Or maybe not. Everyone for themselves quickly becomes a dog eat dog world.
Well, they are part of our lives and although I get frustrated having to wait in this rush-rush lifestyle we live, I guess I’m really thankful for line-ups because at least they show that the world hasn’t gone completely to the dogs, at least not yet. There is still some civility in our world; a little bit of respect. One has to wonder sometimes as we continue to jettison so much of our spiritual heritage just how long we will be able to remain civil though.
Jesus said that all the laws of God hinge on these two – Love God first, then your neighbour as yourself. He also said we should treat other people the way that we would like to be treated, which is probably another way of saying the same thing.
Did I really say that I was thankful for line-ups? Lord, help me to be patient…
However, line-ups are a part of life. Whether it is at a check out … a bank … a stop light … the dentist’s office… And line-ups always make me think. Maybe it’s because line-ups are one of those necessarily occasions when you have little else to do but think? Heaven forbid we talk to complete strangers! But I think line-ups have something to teach us; probably more than one thing but at least this – showing consideration for others is accepted as a basic human moral code.
By that, I don’t mean that we are always considerate or that we don’t try and get ahead. I have seen some pretty inconsiderate people in line-ups and more than a few people try and ‘jump the cue’. But then watch how others respond when that happens! Remember how the fur flew when that hockey team in Alberta got their H1N1 shots before others!!!
Our society might be questioning a lot of the old values and moral standards, but if you try butting in line Buddy… no one is taking your case! Do you hear me!!! You are a sinner and a dirty rotten despicable one at that! There is little hope for you because you’re just plain rude!
Even just the fact that line-ups exist! In this country at least, it is universally understood. We do it automatically without even thinking! And that shows a very basic acknowledgment of human equality. Think about it. And what would our world be like without them? Some of you would like to find out maybe! Or maybe not. Everyone for themselves quickly becomes a dog eat dog world.
Well, they are part of our lives and although I get frustrated having to wait in this rush-rush lifestyle we live, I guess I’m really thankful for line-ups because at least they show that the world hasn’t gone completely to the dogs, at least not yet. There is still some civility in our world; a little bit of respect. One has to wonder sometimes as we continue to jettison so much of our spiritual heritage just how long we will be able to remain civil though.
Jesus said that all the laws of God hinge on these two – Love God first, then your neighbour as yourself. He also said we should treat other people the way that we would like to be treated, which is probably another way of saying the same thing.
Did I really say that I was thankful for line-ups? Lord, help me to be patient…
Monday, January 4, 2010
If We've Ever Needed Him
Florence and I received many blessings, cards and gifts this Christmas. We are always humbled by the love of God’s people for us. All of the gifts and gestures are special from the hearts of those we love. One of the gifts we received was a gift of music from Buck and Laura. They gave us the new Casting Crowns CD – Until The Whole World Hears. It is an incredible album.
The title track, which is track one, is getting tons of air play (tune in to Hope FM 106.3) but there are a lot of amazing songs on this CD. I think Buck’s favourite is track 11 which is a rendition of the old hymn – ‘Blessed Redeemer’ with a new melody line. I have to admit, it is amazingly powerful…. “Up Calvary’s mountain one dreadful morn … blessed Redeemer, precious Redeemer, seems now I see Him on Calvary’s tree, wounded and bleeding, for sinners pleading, blind and unheeding, dying for me…”
I think that one of the other old hymns redone on the album is also as good – track 6 – Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me).
But, I think at this point at least, my favourite track is the second song. It’s called ‘If We’ve Ever Needed You’. It is a hauntingly beautiful prayer born out of a great sense of awareness of our need for God, especially now. You can listen to it here.
What do you think?
The title track, which is track one, is getting tons of air play (tune in to Hope FM 106.3) but there are a lot of amazing songs on this CD. I think Buck’s favourite is track 11 which is a rendition of the old hymn – ‘Blessed Redeemer’ with a new melody line. I have to admit, it is amazingly powerful…. “Up Calvary’s mountain one dreadful morn … blessed Redeemer, precious Redeemer, seems now I see Him on Calvary’s tree, wounded and bleeding, for sinners pleading, blind and unheeding, dying for me…”
I think that one of the other old hymns redone on the album is also as good – track 6 – Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me).
But, I think at this point at least, my favourite track is the second song. It’s called ‘If We’ve Ever Needed You’. It is a hauntingly beautiful prayer born out of a great sense of awareness of our need for God, especially now. You can listen to it here.
What do you think?
Friday, January 1, 2010
Time Travel
I’m sure that most of you enjoyed some great family times this Christmas. At least I hope you were blessed in that way. At one of our extended family gatherings this Christmas, we were playing a guessing game. We had to listen to theme music clips from television shows and guess the show. We had a lot of fun and a lot of laughs. It was great.
In the midst of this smorgasbord of memories, my brother in law Dan mentioned that his favourite television show of all time is ‘The Andy Griffith Show’. I could hear my wife agreeing. And, to be honest, my own heart skips a beat when I hear that whistle… see those freckles… fishing poles …
Why do you think it is that some of the old shows are so special to us? I know that for some of us, the great feeling of nostalgia is a huge part of it. But I think there is something else. I know that for me at least, old television programs hold a special place in my heart because they take me back to simpler times. Some of the most popular old shows are set in time periods long before any of us were even born. No nostalgia at work there!
They weren’t easier times. Anyone who thinks so has forgotten more than they remember, didn’t live in them, or hasn’t read their history. Bygone days had more than their share of hardships. Void of all modern convenience and medical advances, they were tough times.
But they were simpler times. And in a world where things move a little faster and faster every day; a world characterized by constant change that becomes more and more rapid; a world where everything seems to get more and more complicated and where things become more and more unfamiliar to us, there is something, oh so desirable, about a trip back to simpler days; the days of yesterday. (I feel a Beatles’ song coming on!)
Anyone who knows me knows that I’m not the kind of person who tries to live in the past. I embrace change because I know I must and I refuse (God help me) to bury my head in the sands of time. But there are times when we all need a break, and once in a while, it sure feels good just to take a trip back in time and rest in what we know well.
Just before we launch into a brand new year filled with opportunities, as well as the many frustrations and challenges that are sure to be a part of it, maybe God would grant you just a little more time to really take a break. And maybe it would be a good idea for you to grab an old movie or an old show that really takes you back. Maybe grab a couple or three of them. And take a trip. Make it a real vacation. Take a breather. Put your feet up. Go ahead. Live in the past for a while. It’s OK, there’s some good blessings there. Dive in deep. Don’t just watch it, live it. Master the simplicity of it. And I hope you will return with a rested spirit, a renewed passion for life and a whole new sense of determination. Because, sometimes being able to take a step back (in time?) and see life consisting of its more simple elements is exactly what we need in order to then move forward with the kind of conviction and resolution that is really needed to meet the challenges we are going to face in the future.
I think it has the potential to be a really great year. What do you think?
In the midst of this smorgasbord of memories, my brother in law Dan mentioned that his favourite television show of all time is ‘The Andy Griffith Show’. I could hear my wife agreeing. And, to be honest, my own heart skips a beat when I hear that whistle… see those freckles… fishing poles …
Why do you think it is that some of the old shows are so special to us? I know that for some of us, the great feeling of nostalgia is a huge part of it. But I think there is something else. I know that for me at least, old television programs hold a special place in my heart because they take me back to simpler times. Some of the most popular old shows are set in time periods long before any of us were even born. No nostalgia at work there!
They weren’t easier times. Anyone who thinks so has forgotten more than they remember, didn’t live in them, or hasn’t read their history. Bygone days had more than their share of hardships. Void of all modern convenience and medical advances, they were tough times.
But they were simpler times. And in a world where things move a little faster and faster every day; a world characterized by constant change that becomes more and more rapid; a world where everything seems to get more and more complicated and where things become more and more unfamiliar to us, there is something, oh so desirable, about a trip back to simpler days; the days of yesterday. (I feel a Beatles’ song coming on!)
Anyone who knows me knows that I’m not the kind of person who tries to live in the past. I embrace change because I know I must and I refuse (God help me) to bury my head in the sands of time. But there are times when we all need a break, and once in a while, it sure feels good just to take a trip back in time and rest in what we know well.
Just before we launch into a brand new year filled with opportunities, as well as the many frustrations and challenges that are sure to be a part of it, maybe God would grant you just a little more time to really take a break. And maybe it would be a good idea for you to grab an old movie or an old show that really takes you back. Maybe grab a couple or three of them. And take a trip. Make it a real vacation. Take a breather. Put your feet up. Go ahead. Live in the past for a while. It’s OK, there’s some good blessings there. Dive in deep. Don’t just watch it, live it. Master the simplicity of it. And I hope you will return with a rested spirit, a renewed passion for life and a whole new sense of determination. Because, sometimes being able to take a step back (in time?) and see life consisting of its more simple elements is exactly what we need in order to then move forward with the kind of conviction and resolution that is really needed to meet the challenges we are going to face in the future.
I think it has the potential to be a really great year. What do you think?
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