2020, The Year for Perfect Vision

I was working on my doctorate doing much more study and reading than normal when I noticed the words were more blurred than normal.  I tried the universal method to improve one’s vision, squinting, and still the words on the page were not clear.  My eye doctor told me that when most men reach their mid-forties, my age at that time; their eyes need more time to focus.  I told him, “I can’t wait that long I need to read this stuff before sundown and it ain’t happening.”  Forgive the grammar but remember I had not completed my doctoral work at the time. He suggested cheap reading glasses initially because I was “still in the 20/20 range.”  Being in the range for 20/20 vision is never as good and having perfect 20/20 vision.  It’s important to see clearly but clear Spiritual vision is more essential.  Spiritual vision guides your life now and eternally.  I use a capital S as I refer to vision led by the Holy Spirit rather than any other spirit, feeling or intuition.

Proverbs 29:18; “Where there is no vision, the people perish” is often quoted, and also misinterpreted, by those seeking to promote personal plans and agenda.  The verse is not about a big idea from an individual.  The “vision” in this verse refers to a divine communication, a revelation from God.  “Perish” comes from the Hebrew word, paw-rah', the word used where a woman's hair was let to flow out of its covering (hairband).  Unconstrained in the wind her hair is out of control and blown in all directions.  The proverb is asserting the truth that without a divine communication (revelation from God), a person’s life can be influenced to go in all sorts of directions.  The results may not always be positive.

Correcting and restoring 20/20 vision can be done with corrective lenses.  I am using them as I write this.  Gaining and maintaining perfect Spiritual vision is a different matter.  Writing and reading without my corrective lenses can be embarrassing.  I make many grammatical mistakes and typos when writing without my glasses.  My spelling mistakes, however, come from being creative.  I have always relied on the fact that “anyone who spells the same word the same way all the time has no imagination!”  However, faulty vision not funny and can be dangerous.  I wonder why directions on medicine bottles use such tiny print.  It seems smaller as I age.  Does it say to take 1 every 4 hours or 4 every 8 hours?

Incorrect Spiritual decision can be even more dangerous.  Your quality of life now and for eternity depends on clearly seeing and following God’s vision for your life.  Living without a clear vision can lead to a life ‘like a woman’s hair unconstrained directionless and blown in all directions’.  A good friend recently told me that she was utilizing the year 2020 to seek a clear vision concerning what God wanted for her at this time in her life.  She smiled and said, “2020 is the year for perfect vision!”  I thought, “What a great way to look at the year 2020, not just as a new calendar year but as a time to seek a clear 20/20 Spiritual vision from God!”

There have been times in my life when God seemed to be directing me as clearly as the GPS map on my phone.  Then there are times when I go off in the wrong direction not paying attention to the voice and map on my phone.  I wondered why so many people in Niagara Falls Park were staring at me with dirty looks as I was driving the only car on the bridge until I saw the Pedestrians Only sign.  In my excitement I had ignored the correct guidance of my GPS and had driven my car onto the walking path.   Oops!

It is easy to become distracted and not pay attention to God’s voice or directions.  Life is more like traveling by airplane than a journey by train.  Once you board the train you simply sit back and enjoy the trip as the train follows the tracks to the next destination.  Traveling by airplane is different.  After the airplane takes off several things can affect the original flight plan.  A storm or other unexpected events can require adjustments leading to an alternate time of arrival or even a different destination.  Life’s journey is similar.  A plan is valuable but what’s happening right now will affect when, where, how or if I arrive.  Daily vision and adjustments are as important as long-range vision.  Both should come from God.

So how does one seek perfect Spiritual vision, divine communication?  King Solomon asked God for an “understanding heart” to make good judgments and discern between right and wrong (1 Kings 3:9).  Jesus also spoke of the importance of the heart for Spiritual vision in the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount proclaiming, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” (Matthew 5:8).  God’s Spiritual anatomy connects the eyes with the heart.  A heart harboring anger, envy, lust, greed, selfishness, etc. will lead to a direction far from God’s perfect vision for one’s life.  A good prescription for 20/20 Spiritual vision is found in Galatians 5:22 &23 known as the Fruit of the Spirit.  Fruit is the natural growth from a healthy plant.  A healthy and pure Spiritual heart is filled with thoughts that are loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled.  I John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”  So a pure heart that is essential to ‘see’ God’s perfect vision for our lives begins with an honest examination confessing anything that does not naturally follow and develop Spiritual fruit.

Going back to the conversation with my eye doctor in my mid-forties, I followed his advice and got reading glasses and finished the work so I AM a Doctor!  Therefore, I offer the following prescription to make 2020 our year of perfect Spiritual vision; start today and continue daily with a healthy and honest Spiritual self-examination.  Submit to a daily visit with the Great Physician following His prescription found in Psalm 139:23-24, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”  As we daily confess, repent and receive His cleansing to have a pure heart we will be amazed how our Spiritual vision improves allowing us to more clearly see His perfect vision for our lives.  I look forward to seeing what He has in store for 2020, The Year for Perfect Vision!

Neal

Forty years ago I met Neal.  I often think of him.  It is good that I do so.  He taught me some valuable lessons.  Neal showed me how to have a positive attitude no matter what the situation may be.  The lesson is backed by Paul’s declaration in Philippians 4:11-13; “I am not complaining about having too little. I have learned to be satisfied with whatever I have.  I know what it is to be poor or to have plenty, and I have lived under all kinds of conditions. I know what it means to be full or to be hungry, to have too much or too little. Christ gives me the strength to face anything.”  It is appropriate that I have a scriptural foundation to this story because I met Neal at seminary as we were both working on our Masters of Divinity degrees.  We graduated together but he was smarter and much wiser.  I always knew study at the Masters level would be challenging.  I was not a good student when I entered the seminary.  In 1974 I graduated dead last in the school of business at Mississippi State University, but that is another story.  I really majored in having fun in college…but that’s also another story. 

I knew seminary would be difficult for me, as I had to learn to study and take things more seriously.  However, when I met Neal I realized that my challenge was not that big of a deal.  Just getting around and having a conversation was a challenge for Neal.  Due to problems at birth Neal’s brain had difficulty getting the proper signals to allow his body to function in a fashion that is effortless and unconsciously normal for us.  His legs did not work but he didn't use a wheel chair.  He walked but not like the rest of us.  Since his brain could not tell one leg to step forward and then the other, as happens naturally with us, he had crutches fastened to his arms, so to get around he would sling one crutch forward and then drag his legs forward then he would repeat the process with the other arm continuing to drag his legs along.  He had steel toes in his shoes because they constantly dragged the ground.  But he ‘walked’ to class with the rest of us.  Neal taught me a special courage to keep from giving in to the ‘difficulties’ and unfairness of life’s circumstances. 

As we walked to class and gathered in groups after class we talked of many things…since we were all single guys the subject of girls often was worked into the conversation.  Neal’s speech was also affected by his birth defect.  There was nothing wrong with his intelligence, his was much smarter than most of us…especially me.  However, the words came out of his contorted mouth slowly and slurred.  One day as we were going across campus with our normal conversation, yes about girls and dating, Neal started laughing and proclaimed that he felt sorry for us.  We stopped and while no one said anything we were probably all thinking the same thing; "Here is this guy who has trouble walking and talking and he feels sorry for us!" 

Neal didn’t keep us in suspense about the reason for his pity on us as he grinned with his twisted smile and explained; “When I get married I am going to know beyond all doubt that she truly loves me for who I am and not for the way I look or act.  I will know true love while you may wonder if she will find some more handsome or with more money.”  We joined him in laughter but we also knew we were standing in the presence of someone special.  Neal knew Paul’s secret to being content no matter what the circumstances may be.  Contentment is not found in physical appearance, abilities or circumstance in life.  Contentment is found in knowing who God sees when he looks through us and knowing He loves who he sees through our faith in Christ!  Neal taught us that who we really are is reflected more from the heart than the mirror. 

As my life has been affected by the many years and events that have passed, I am increasingly slower in getting up from chairs and getting around.  I ache in places I never knew existed in my youth.  I also have times of sadness as I remember loved ones who are now gone.  However, rather than having a lengthy pity party I think of Neal, the Apostle Paul and Jesus as I remember that I can always find contentment no matter what my circumstances may be.  Physical appearances and abilities will change.  Relationships will come and go.  Integrity, humility, love, compassion and a pure heart can last for eternity and make all else seem frivolous.  What is seen from my heart is far more important than what I see in the mirror. 

I don’t think I will ever forget graduation from seminary.  Neal was ahead of me in the line, which was appropriate for many reasons.  He managed his way up the stairs with the crutches attached to his arms and his feet dragging behind.  As he stood on the stage and heard his named called the excitement overcame him and he shouted and raised his right crutch in the air.  He immediately fell with a thud.  A hush fell on the audience but when we realized he was not hurt no one moved.  We all seemed to know that this was Neal’s moment.  In spite of being severely physically hindered in mobility and speech Neal had accomplished a level of achievement attained by few able-bodied people.  He needed to walk these final steps on his own.  I remember sensing the collective energy of the entire auditorium as we all sought to ‘will’ him up from the floor.  Neal struggled to his feet and slung one crutch ahead of the other with his feet dragging behind making those final steps on his own.  Without a doubt Neal had the night’s greatest ovation as the seminary president shook his hand and presented him his Masters degree. 

As stated at the beginning of this story, it is good for me to think of Neal.  I confess that I can be too superficial at times.  We all know what it is like to spend too much time looking in the mirror worrying about that hairline that seems to be receding overnight, the gray that is increasing in the hair that remains, those wrinkles we didn’t notice yesterday, the midsection that is gradually increasing…I could go on but I think you get the picture.  Physical abilities and the way we look will always change, sometimes not the way we desire.  However, as I learned long ago from Neal (and Jesus), what is seen in our heart is far more important than what is seen in the mirror!

A Jeep, a Canoe and a German Shepherd

There have been occasions when I have become so frustrated with people that I have told my wife, “I believe that God is sovereign but I also believe that he placed me on the wrong planet!”  I wonder why she rarely disagrees…but she loves me anyway.   I know that there are times when my behavior can be difficult for others to understand or I can have difficulty understanding the behavior of these creatures called humans that inhabit this planet.  I confess that there have been times when I thought I would be better off just getting far away and becoming a hermit.  When I was going through one of those frustrating times as a teenager I declared, “All I need is a jeep, a canoe and a German Shepherd!”   That was my way of expressing a desire to drive the jeep as far into the woods as possible, then taking the canoe upstream and living the rest of my days with the companionship of my loyal dog.  I think one reason we love dogs because they hang around and listen to all of our nonsense and never talk back. 

There have been times since that statement was uttered as a teenager that I have been reminded of that sentiment.  I think all of us have fleeting frustrating moments when we feel like running away.   However, as much as I can become exasperated at times I am so glad that I stayed around and remained connected with other humans who live on the same planet where God placed me. 

While still in seminary I was asked to conduct my first funeral.  My pastor called informing me that the funeral home had called and had a request for a minister to conduct a funeral for a man with no church affiliation.  I will never forget seeing the middle aged man in the casket.  One could tell that the brief life had been a hard one.  I remember standing in the pulpit and doing my best to pay respects to a life that was completely unknown to me.  The eight people who had gathered said kind words to me afterwards but the words of the man in the suit who seemed to be the leader of the few family members who had gathered haunted me.  “I appreciate you doing this for us.  He was a cousin that we never really knew but when I heard that he had died I felt like he needed a decent funeral.”  Wow, how sad to have lived one’s whole life and at the end no one really knew who you were and only through the charity of a benevolent distant family member was a funeral possible.  That funeral conducted by an unknown, unskilled intern minister and attended by 8 people remains the saddest I have experienced in all my years.  I have often thought back of the sadness of such a lonely life. 

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 tells us of the importance of being connected with others; “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

In his book, When All You've Ever Wanted Isn't Enough, Rabbi Harold Kushner tells the story of watching two children building a sand castle at the beach, and then as a wave came crashing in on their work he watched them running while holding hands and laughing as waves came and quickly washed away the sand castle they had worked to build.   He discovered a great truth in life.  The castles (or works of our lives) may crumble but we can laugh and not be discouraged if holding hands with a loved one. 

I have been blessed to meet and form friendships with people from many regions of this planet.  I have enjoyed and my life has been enriched by exploring and learning about the uniqueness of different cultures.  I am constantly amazed by the miracle of how we are all created in the image of God yet each have our own unique personality.  Each person is unique and irreplaceable.  There has never been anyone like you!  In all of history and including all the billions of people who are living on earth today, there is no one quite like you!  I leave you with the following poem by Sue Stillwell describing the uniqueness and importance of discovering, developing and maintaining relationships with others;

To the World with Love

I open people just like Christmas presents; excitedly ripping away ribbons, tearing away the paper and lifting the lids off the boxes; and always a surprise awaits me. 

Some of the people with the brightest ribbons and the shiniest wrappings are empty and hollow inside. 

Some people with drab plain packaging hold the most glittering precious gifts and treasures inside of all. 

And as with my Christmas presents some people I put away and never think about; and some I admire, look at and I don’t touch; some I put on pedestals – but they are fragile & usually break; and some become cherished and familiar to me through constant use. 

So the idea of a Jeep, canoe and German Shepherd have long been put aside as I have enjoyed the cherished gifts of relationships I have made thus far.  I look forward to others I have yet to discover.  I encourage you, as you go through the day, to make the most of developing and maintaining relationships.  People, not things, are life’s greatest treasures.  Relationships are the only things in this world that are eternal. 

God Does Not Make Garbage

I had reached the point in my retirement where I had become a little bored and was open to try something new and different.  I still am not ready for a tattoo or a nose piercing.  I don’t understand either.  I have always been a clean freak.  Why would I want something on my skin that I could not wash off?  And as for body piercing, the older I get the more I have to be pierced by hypodermic needles for medical appointments.  I have discovered that the only time I really want stainless steel touching my skin is when I grab a fork.  Anyway, there often does come a time for some retired folks when one gets restless and while not ready to go back to the work of their former career one is open to try something new.  Be careful when that mood arrives. 

A friend who directs a school was looking for a person to teach a small class of 7^th graders just one day a week and she asked if I would be interested in teaching that class.  The subjects sounded like they were in my wheelhouse, well except for one.  I would be teaching classes in Bible.  Hey, I do have a Doctorate and 40 years of studying, teaching and preaching the Bible.  I should be able to handle 7^th grade Bible class without much preparation.  I would also teach Writing and Grammar.  I spent 40 years speaking and writing so I should be OK here as well.  However, the fourth class I would be teaching was Science.  In all my years of formal education; elementary, middle & high school, college, Masters & Doctorate level classes my lowest grade was a D…in 7^th grade science!  Where are the red warning lights to signal trouble when you need them?  Sometimes we just race past them like the guy who jumped from the 50 story building.  As he zoomed past a window on the 30^th floor he was heard to say, “So far everything is fine!”

Anyway I jumped.  How much trouble could it be?  It was 7^th grade and only one day a week.  It wasn’t long before I hit the pavement.  Wow, I had to spend the entire week preparing for that one day of teaching.  While I could and often did feign my way through some of the Bible, Writing and Grammar classes (Sorry I must confess); Science was not something I could fake.  It is very humbling when a 7^th grade girl catches you making a mistake in your teaching and politely corrects you in front of the class!  Why do I keep having flashbacks to being intimidated and traumatized by smart girls in middle school?  However, as I began to study things I had not learned well when I was that age, I started to see theology in science that I had missed in my own 7^th grade classes.  Perhaps that was why I lost interest and made a D.  Hey, that excuse is as good as any!

I realize, as a product of the Mississippi public school system, that I may be a little slow on the uptake but I began to more fully realize a Godly purpose in decay.  Microorganisms, insects and animals are born and are nourished by the death and decay of other created matter.  Nothing created by God goes to waste.  All the garbage on the planet has been created by man.  As I finished the water I was drinking while studying I looked at the plastic bottle and thought, "Look how much useless trash and garbage is created by man".  Even when recycled much of what man makes winds up causing more trouble in the long run.  However, nothing created by God is trash and nothing created by God goes to waste.  Everything created by God serves a useful purpose in the ongoing miracle of His handiwork. 

That may not seem so profound to you, remember I went to school in Mississippi, but that realization opened my eyes to see that everything in my life that comes me or from mankind may not be useful, in fact often it will cause more trouble that it is worth, and it will leave residue that may take a long time to overcome.  However, everything in my life that is from God will eventually work out for His perfect purpose that will last forever and be reborn into another living miracle. 

Every living thing created by God will die.  However, every living thing created by God dies giving life and birth to a new living thing.  Everything living thing, and person, created by God serves a useful purpose.  No thing or no one created by God is wasteful or worthless.  So do not despair or be overcome with grief when something created by God is perishing, prepare to rejoice and embrace the birth of something new! 

I was a Cub Scout

I was a Cub Scout.  Now for those unaware of what that means, Cub Scouting is part of the Scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America, available to boys and girls from kindergarten through fifth grade, or 5 to 10 years of age and their families.  Now if asked that question of the game-show, Jeopardy, you will be prepared.  There were seven of us in Den # 4, Pack # 3 (Gosh, how is it that I can still remember that and can’t find my car keys?).  The Boy Scout motto is, ‘Be Prepared’.  The Cub Scout motto is, ‘Do Your Best’.  Both serve as good advice. 

I recently returned from a couple of weeks away and…I hate to admit it, but I have arrived at the age where I will check obituaries occasionally.  I always scoffed at the old joke; “If you read the obituaries and your name is not there, it’s a good day.”  Since I had been away I wanted to check the news to see if anything worthwhile had happened while I was traveling.  I used to keep up with the news on a regular basis but I stopped for several reasons; it is not news anymore as much as opinions with an agenda, it rarely changes (politicians are still loony and people are always going to do stupid things), and it is really not that helpful to my daily life.  Actually the situation in the world has not really improved since God placed Adam & Eve in paradise with a few simple basics and said, “Enjoy the great set-up.” (This is from the Drees translation).  Then as soon as they were left to their own ideas, they looked around and said, “I know what He said and things are greater than we could ever imagine but let’s try this…” (Again, this is from the Drees translation). 

Anyway, back to the original point, I checked the news to catch up on events while I was away and discovered that one of my former classmates and Cub Scout Den members died.  There are now four of the original seven who are still here.  Sonny, Ricky and now Phil are gone.  Jimmy, Bobby, Buddy and I remain.  Although most of us scattered to different regions and lost close touch over some 60 years that have passed since then, it can always get one’s attention when childhood and school friends pass away. 

The older I get the more I am impressed with how fragile and fleeting life can be.  I am amazed at how quickly 67 years have passed.  As a pastor who sat at the bedside with family and friends when some took their last breath and presided over funerals for people who lived over one hundred years and for some who lived less than one, I am continually reminded how fragile life on this planet can be.  Throughout my life and career I believed, studied and taught about life after death as a matter of faith.  However, in reality, it really does not matter how strong one’s faith may be or what one believes; the only thing we really know for certain is what we are experiencing at this very moment.  All else is either a matter of faith or uncertainty.  And often it seems that in this sin-scarred world the only thing that is certain is uncertainty.  So where does that leave us?

Well, I can’t be certain that the politicians are going to make helpful decisions or laws.  I can’t be certain that the car speeding my way is going to stay in their lane.  I can’t be certain that my heart will continue to beat for the next five minutes.  I really can’t be certain that I will even finish writing this note (I am fairly certain that a select few are wondering if I will ever get to the point…yes, I know who you are!).  But, I can be certain about one thing in my life and that is my attitude and actions for this very moment. 

I can choose to get involved in the petty political arguments or workplace/church/family drama of the moment and share an angry or foul mood…that may be my last moment of life on this planet.  Or I can choose to be as happy, forgiving, loving and kind to everyone around me no matter what the situation or circumstances may be…and if this is my last moment or not, it is the only moment I have at the time…then it was and is as good as I could make it for me and those around me! 

While life is filled with dramatic and memorable events, both joyous and sad; most of life is made up of the small everyday moments.  Therefore, we would do well not to waste any moments on the worries and difficulties of this imperfect world but make the best of every fleeting and fragile moment of life with every breath being filled with gratitude, kindness and love.  

Again, no matter what one believes about the afterlife, this is the only shot you get at this world.  When it is over you will be dead a long time so it just makes sense to make the most of every moment.  I remember once reading about a minister who was visiting a member of his church whom both knew was probably nearing the end of a long full life.  In my experience I have learned that it is often helpful in those situations to make certain that there are no lingering regrets so a good pastor tries to lovingly approach a way to eliminate those feelings, if possible.  In their talk he asked, “You have been truly blessed with your life but is there anything you would do differently if you could go back?"  She immediately cocked her head with a smile and looked him square in the eyes and said, “I would eat more ice cream and less beans!”  I love that answer.  It also serves as a reminder to spend more time having fun and enjoying the journey.  While beans are healthy and good for you, life goes better when you try to have more fun as well.  Add her outlook to the following motto and scripture and you have a pretty good formula to enjoy the rest of your journey;

“Do Your Best”

Boy Scout Motto

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances;

for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Lighten The Load

One of the things often anticipated upon retirement is travel.  I enjoy going to visit new places but I am not always crazy about the travel.  I traveled a lot in my ministry.  I once served in a ministry position with responsibility for 50 churches scattered over 6 counties.  Every Sunday I would drive to a different church.  One Sunday was in 5 different churches.  I also led and participated in various mission trips to many states as well as Disaster Relief mission trips to states recovering from hurricanes, tornadoes or floods.  Additionally I led and participated in numerous overseas mission trips traversing five of the seven continents.  During one 4 week stretch I traveled over 15,000 miles covering 8 different states and 3 different countries.  I was much younger, more energetic and apparently less wise in those days. 

Although I have flown a great deal, I am not a big fan.  Strapping into a metal tube filled with explosive liquid is still not logical in my mind for both physical and spiritual reasons.  I just don’t think something that big and heavy should be that far off the ground and on a spiritual note, God says, “Lo, I will be with you always.”; which can be interpreted as, “Hey, you are on your own when you are up there!”   I also hate all the security measures one has to go through before boarding the airplane.  Every time I fly my anger toward Osama Bin Laden is rekindled.  So all of this is to say that over the years I have learned that it is best to pack less and travel light.  Before every trip I try to think of the essentials.  What do I really need?  What can I do without?  How can I make the travel less burdensome and more enjoyable? 

Several years ago I realized that the same thinking will improve my journey through life.  What do I really need?  What can I do without? How can I make the travel less burdensome and more enjoyable?  So often we travel through life loaded down with burdens that rob us of the joy of the journey.  Jesus teaches us to lighten the load in Matthew 11:28-29, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my burden is easy and my load is light.”  As I became more familiar with Jesus I began to see and truly learn from Him that He knew how to travel light.  He never was burdened by the physical and emotional baggage that often robs us of the daily joy of life.  I began to look at the baggage many of us carry through life and the way that Jesus teaches us to discard those heavy burdens.  Perhaps, some of the following luggage has held you back long enough. 

Selfish Ego and Greed can be a huge suitcase that becomes increasingly heavy to carry everywhere you go.  We cannot fully enjoy everyday pleasures of life when we are carrying a large ego, thinking primarily of ourselves.  Jesus tells us to learn from him in Luke 9:23, “Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”  The cross of self-denial is a much lighter load for the day’s journey.  When we put serving God and others above our ego and our personal desires then life can truly become easier and more joyful. 

Anger seems to be a growing piece of luggage that steals joy.  Road rage and impatience not only can take away daily joy but anger can ruin and shorten one’s journey in life in many ways.  Anger is not an emotion we can avoid; in fact it can be used in a positive way.  For example, abortion, child and spousal abuse anger me so I try to pack that anger in a lightweight bag used to battle those evils.  Ephesians 4:26 tells us to, “Be angry and sin not” implying that anger is not necessarily wrong or destructive but the way we unpack our anger is the key in whether it becomes helpful or a burden.  Holding on to anger is like dragging a large suitcase with one wheel that has fallen off.  It even affects prayer and worship as Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:23-24, “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar.  First, go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.” Forgive and let it go!

Gossip, Negative Thoughts/Words, Worry & Anxiety can also be combined or carried individually as cumbersome baggage that can be left behind for a more enjoyable and joyful journey.  We are given several scriptural remedies that can be used to discard these burdens.    

·         Proverbs 26:20, “Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down.”

·         I Thessalonians 5:16, “Be joyful always.” This short verse is a command & not a suggestion!

·         Philippians 4:6-8, “Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think on those things.”  Don’t pack anything that’s not positive!

·         Philippians 4:6-7, “Don’t be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Prayer is easier to carry.

·         Matthew 6:34, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own.”  Enjoy today and leave tomorrow  to God!

Some would say that I am getting too long-winded and I should leave that ‘windbag’ at home but there’s another type of luggage I want to suggest leaving behind and it is Guilt & Shame.  Some have done things that continue to trouble us or perhaps someone did something to us in the past and it lingers to weigh us down each day.  Scripture reminds us that God is always in the forgiving business.  1 John 1:9 reminds us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”  The burden of shame is removed in Romans 8:1, “Therefore, there is now NO CONDEMNATION for those who are in Christ Jesus.”  So no matter what you have done or what has been done to you leave the heavy luggage of guilt and shame with God as well as any other baggage that is weighing you down, it truly is the best way to travel.  I hope you enjoy the rest of your journey! 

Never a Bad Day

A few weeks ago I had my 67^th birthday.  If you forgot or were busy it's still not too late to send gifts.  Cash is always appreciated.  Family and friends made the day special for me but I must be honest, I wasn’t too excited about now being ‘officially in my late 60’s!’   I am at the age where my body and mind are showing the effects of nearly 7 decades.  However, my appreciation of savoring each moment of the life I have been given was given a huge shot of adrenaline not long after Walter called asking me for a favor.  He needed to take care of some business with his bank and wanted me to go to town with him.  I thought it would just be another errand to help a senior citizen.  Boy was I wrong.   

I came to know Walter (Not his real name.  He would be embarrassed if I used his name to brag on him.) several years ago as I served as an area minister.  I was not his pastor but had spoken in his church a few times and helped with some ministry needs.  He and his wife came to my office one day and asked me to be the executor of their estate.  They had no children and for some reason saw me as a responsible person who could be trusted with that task.  My first thought was, “They should have gotten out more to meet more people”.  But what was I to say?  They chose me so I told them I would do the best I could to help them.  Walter has now been a widower for several years.  He is 94 and I don’t mind helping him.  He is a sweetheart of a guy.  However I did not know what Paul Harvey would call “The rest of the story” until this recent trip to take him to his bank.  He still drives but usually short trips for local errands.  As I pulled into his driveway I noticed, for the first time, the tag on his car was a permanent POW tag.  I never knew he was a prisoner of war.  He had never spoken about this to me.

As we were on the way I mentioned his POW license plate and said, “I never knew you were a prisoner of war.”  He shrugged his shoulders as if it were no big deal and began telling me how he enlisted in the Air Force at age 18 during World War 2.  He was a turret gunner operating a 50 caliber machine gun on a B-17 bomber when his plane was hit on a bombing mission over Nazi occupied France.  The pilot realized that they would not make it back to England and rather than ditch in the English Channel risking the lives of his ten member crew he crash-landed in a field.  The crew began scrambling for safety hoping to encounter members of the French Resistance or French citizens more sympathetic to assist Americans rather than fearful of the Nazis.  

He continued recounting this event in a calm manner that would be similar to me telling someone about mowing the yard rather than describing something that sounded, to me, like an exciting plot from a movie.  They found a French farm and the farmer spoke enough English to allow them to ask permission to sleep in his barn.  They hoped to hide for the night, get some rest and seek help to be rescued.  However, they didn’t realize that the farmer’s fear of the Gestapo was greater than his desire to help the American soldiers.  While they piled up hay to make a bed and drifted off to sleep he was contacting the Gestapo to turn them in.  Walter was awakened from his exhausted sleep, as he explained it by; “a kick in the ribs by a boot and I woke up looking at the barrel of a Nazi machine gun.”  He and the crew spent the rest of the war in a German POW camp.  He calmly, without resentment of mistreatment, told me that it was “cold and difficult but the Russian prisoners were treated worse.  They seemed to carry out a dead Russian each day.”

As I drove listening to this remarkable story of a young kid just out of his late teenage years who survived being shot down over Nazi territory, being captured and help prisoner in a Nazi prison camp; I simply could not believe this quiet senior adult church member who had humbly asked me to assist him in his old age because he had no living heirs was such a war hero.  Tom Brokaw’s book, The Greatest Generation, profiles those ‘ordinary men and women’ who came of age during World War II in the United States. In the book, Brokaw wrote, "it is, I believe, the greatest generation any society has ever produced". He argued that these men and women fought not for fame and recognition, but because it was the "right thing to do".  Afterwards they came home and most lived quiet lives.  Walter was one of this ‘Greatest Generation’.  I had primarily known Walter to be a man of quiet faith.  He had his share of difficulties and ailments that come from living 94 years but I had never known him to complain.  I guess when you have survived being shot down behind enemy lines, awakened by a kick in the ribs by a Nazi holding a machine gun in your face and then being held prisoner in a German POW camp, the troubles of today are not so bad.  The complaints we have are trivial in comparison.  The rudest awakening from sleep I have experienced was loud snoring…and it was me!

Thanks to you, Walter, and all of the unsung heroes who gave us the great life we have today and who continue to teach us how to appreciate and fully enjoy each day.  I began to have a greater realization that we should do all we can to honor these heroes.  I furthermore realized that I should not despair about being closer to 70 than any time in my life with the normal occurrences of aging.  I also feel a little ashamed of ever complaining about anything!  I will think twice before I have my next ‘pity party’ to grumble about any inconvenience in my life.  I hope the story of Walter gives you a new outlook as well.  Never have a bad day!

Looking for Adventure

Over the years Cathy and I have enjoyed getting away at the ‘Bed & Breakfast on Tiffany Hill’ in the foothills of Western North Carolina.  Selena, the owner/proprietor, does a great job helping her guests “do as much or as little as they like.”  Each visit is unique as we renew acquaintances with folks we met on previous visits or make new friends as each day starts with guests enjoying a gourmet three-course breakfast around the large dining table.  One of my favorite ‘hobbies’ over the years is seeing how God connects people for His overall purpose which we may not see until later, so I always look forward and remain open for the next ‘connection’.  This visit saw several that were unique and who knows how God may use them in the days ahead.  However, at this moment I want to focus on Wade and Bernice.   

We have met couples visiting the B&B celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, honeymooning or just celebrating the day.  Wade and Bernice were celebrating 67 years of being married to one another.  That blew my mind.  I will be 67 next month.  By the way if you have not selected a gift yet, cash is always nice.  Anyway, they have been enjoying life as husband and wife longer than I have been aware of life!  They are indeed enjoying life.  She is 90 and he is 89.  Don’t worry about me spreading that information.  I got it from her.  They are not marking time in a nursing home.  They live in their own home and here they are enjoying a B&B getaway.  I wanted to take notes.  That’s how I want to live when I grow up. 

Cathy and I enjoy spending time on the front porch rocking chairs chatting with fellow guests.  I sat next to Bernice.  I want to learn about living a long and full life from folks like her.  Cathy whispered that Bernice reminded her of my grandmother who lived an abundant life for 98 years so they did indeed have several things in common.  We had a great afternoon swapping stories.  As the sun was beginning to set she looked at Wade and asked, “Are you ready to go?” I thought they might find an early dinner and call it a day.  Don’t forget, I’m nearly 67 and I have trouble staying up past 9:30 and they have been married 67 years.  So I asked, “Where are you going?”  OK, here it comes…this was worth the price of admission for me.  Bernice smiled and with a twinkle in her eye she said, “We are going to look for adventure!”  Wow!  To be 90 years old and as the sun is going down she is not headed for an early bedtime.  Bernice is heading out to look for adventure!  What a great attitude and outlook!  I think I just may have learned some of her secret to a long and blessed life.  Never stop looking for adventure!

Now I realize that adventure may mean different things for different people.  Webster gives the following definition: “an undertaking usually involving danger and unknown risks.”  For some that may mean whitewater kayaking, skydiving or rock-climbing while others may find adventure in discovering a new mystery writer, learning to play a musical instrument or speaking in front of a group.  An adventure often involves doing something that involves some fear.  A study revealed that the two greatest fears people have are dying and speaking in public.  So I guess it would be really scary to deliver your own eulogy.  I think that I wrote about my plans to do that in my last blog but I digress. 

I don’t think the risk is the point as much as seeking daily to expand one’s experience in life.  An attitude seeking adventure is a great way to keep life fresh and exciting…even if great risk is not involved.  Seeking new experiences is adventure.  Seeking new relationships is adventure.  An attitude of seeking adventure is a great way to live.  You don’t have to attempt scaling Mt. Everest but it is important to continue to seek new things and stretch yourself.  That is what I learned from Bernice. 

Don’t give up and quit on life.  There may be times when we all feel like tossing our hands to the heavens and crying out, “What’s the use!”  Quitting or giving up should never be an option.  No matter what is happening or has happened, life is worth living.  You never know what adventure may be waiting just around the next corner.  Anyone who has lived long enough to celebrate 67 years of married life could tell you about difficult times and days one felt like quitting.  They never spoke of such matters but although I have not been alive as long as they have been married I know that life has such times of sorrow and despair for everyone.  We may not want to admit it but there may have been times, and there may yet be times, when life tumbles in and overwhelms us to the point that we question what the point of going forward is. 

Over the years I have conducted funeral services for some who just gave up and died.  Funerals are always sad but those are the worst.  I have also counseled some who are not quite ready for the funeral service but they quit living some time ago and are just marking time, existing until life is finally over.  Those are the saddest people I have ever met.  They are constantly focusing on aches, pains and reasons that they think explain why they are not able to enjoy life.  I am reminded of the quote from Helen Keller, who knew about handicaps and difficulties in life; “Life is either a great adventure or nothing.” 

So as you wake each day you have a choice.  You can focus on the difficulties that can be easily identified in this sin-scarred world or you can wake each day LOOKING FOR ADVENTURE!

I Remember Him

I was searching some family history on the internet.  Often much family history can be learned from obituary searches.  One obituary got my full attention.  It read, “William H. Drees passed away unexpectedly on Monday, December 31, 2018.”  You better believe it was unexpected!  I am William H. Drees!  I tried to recall but I don’t really remember what happened to me on December 31 but I think I would have remembered it if I had died!  I hope I don’t need to explain that it was not me.  It was not even anyone related to me.  However, it got my attention for several reasons. 

There are not many people in the USA with the Drees surname and I have been accustomed to being the only Drees in the phone book in most cities where I have lived.  I was the only Drees who was an ordained minister in the entire Southern Baptist Convention for my entire career.  That and $4 will get you a small (or tall) coffee at Starbucks.  When Cathy married me and became a Drees I told her we would usually be the only Drees in town.  However, our first residence was in Wichita, KS and I grabbed the phone book to show her and was shocked to see five Drees listings.  One was also William H. Drees.  Cathy said, “We need to go to their house and meet the other William H. Drees.”   I cried out to her in a panicked voice, “Have you never watched The Twilight Zone?  If I go and knock on the door and then I open the door from the other side and meet myself on the front porch, the world as we know it may explode into infinity!”  For the sake of humanity I never met William H. Drees in Wichita. 

Now I read where William H. Drees died in December, in Ohio of all places.  I have never been to Ohio…and now I have a great excuse to never go…remember The Twilight Zone.  One never can be too careful in such matters.  Anyway, it was quite interesting to see an obituary with my name.  I recently joked that I guess I am now at the age that any day when my obituary is not in the paper is a good day.  Now I gotta get some new material. 

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, a business and self-help book written by Stephen Covey suggests “to begin at the end.”  In other words think of what you would like people to say about you at your funeral and then live in such a way to make certain that it would be a great tribute.  As one who has preached many funerals I understood what he meant.  There have been funerals that literally were a breeze to prepare and preach as the person lived a life truly worth celebrating.  Then there have been others when it was very difficult to find positive things to say.  I am reminded of the pastor who stood before the congregation struggling to find a positive word to say about a man whom all knew to be a scoundrel and he finally let out a long sigh and proclaimed the only positive truth he could muster, “Well, his brother was worse!”

Cathy once asked me, “If something happened, who would you want me to get to preach your funeral?”  After checking to see if she had increased my life insurance I gave it some thought and told her, “I’ll do it myself!”  I thought about a making a video where I would record myself rounding a bend in the river in my kayak and paddling up to the camera.  I would share my message and then close saying, “Well it is time for me to move on to see what is around the bend.” I would then que the music, ‘Going Home’ as I paddled out of sight.  The video would be placed in a safe deposit box until needed.  As I was concluding my plans it seems as if I heard the voice of God saying, “OK, smart aleck, go ahead and finish it and just see how soon you may have to use it!”  I think I got the point.  I dropped the plans.    

One day the William H. Drees in the obituary will indeed be me.  However, the best thing I can do with this sacred gift of life God has given me is to make the most of each precious moment.  Steven Covey did have a point.  If you want good things to be said of you in the end, you must live up to those complements now…every day!  No matter what the situation may be at any moment people watch and remember how we behave.  And that is how we are remembered. 

Not long ago a friend asked me to preach for their church homecoming/anniversary celebration.  I appreciated the opportunity and privilege of being asked to speak on such a special day.  I had never been to that particular church so I didn’t expect to know anyone.  However, as we were gathering in the congregation a familiar lady approached me with a broad smile.  Thankfully, when she got to me my feeble memory kicked in and I remembered who she was.  She taught one of my daughters in middle school.  I would often chaperone field trips as my schedule could be flexible and they usually needed men to assist on such activities.  So, she knew me well but that was a long time ago.  That daughter is now in her mid-30s thus you can me having to jog my memory.  However, I think I will always remember what she said.  She told me, “When I heard that you were coming I was so excited.  I told everyone I knew you and they would love you.  You were always so upbeat and positive.  You are always smiling!”  That’s not a bad obituary.  Again, back to Steven Covey’s point, how do you want to be remembered? 

Who Can You Believe?

How Do You Know Who or What to Believe?  There are so many different voices claiming truth today.  Fox News, CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS, Republicans, Democrats, Independents, Conservatives, Liberals and Libertarians all claim to tell us exactly what is going on in the world today but none seem to paint the same picture.  “The White House is in Chaos.”  “The White House is a fine running machine.”  “Global warming is caused by humans and we can do something about it.”  “Global warming is a natural occurrence that is not affected by man.”  “Low carb diets are the best.”  “The South Beach diet is the best and healthiest.”  One study says that a glass of red wine with your evening meal is healthy and good for your heart.  Another study says that any and all alcohol is unhealthy and destroys brain cells.  So if one study is true and you have a glass of red wine with dinner you may have a healthy heart but if the other study is true your brain cells and memory could be affected…I’m sorry what were we talking about?

Oh yeah, with all the different voices, who can you trust?  How do you know what or who to believe?  What is truth?  Some 2000 years ago a Roman governor faced a Jewish man who had been brought before him with false charges from religious leaders who wanted this man dead because he was upsetting their religious belief system and their way of life.  Pilate looked into the eyes of truth incarnate (John 14:6) and asked the question we often struggle with today, “What is Truth?”

Today there are many who are like Pilate.  We may question what or who to believe, but do we really want to know?  Pilate looked truth in the eyes and turned away.  It was easier for him to walk away and continue in old familiar ways than face truth that would certainly bring improvement to life but it would also challenge and change a fairly comfortable lifestyle.  Truly knowing and properly responding to the truth would have threatened Pilate’s world.  His place of privilege and power would certainly have been endangered if he had continued to face truth and seen Jesus for who he really was.  It was easier to turn and continue in a world of lies, deceit and corruption.  This is the same reason that people today make excuses to stay in destructive situations rather than face truth and do the difficult work making changes truth requires.  One can become comfortable in a difficult, destructive life and too afraid and lazy to move into a different world.  The new way may be better but it is easy to stay with that which is familiar and takes less work. 

So, like Pilate, we also often act as if we are interested, but do we really want truth?  Excuses are easier than truth.  “Well, it’s hard for me to lose weight; I inherited a big boned body.”  The truth is not big bones but big portions.  Truth is difficult and not often pleasant.  Cutting back on portions and calories while increasing exercise or activity level will cause weight loss…no matter what our body type may be.  However, that means work, sacrifice and discipline, so it is easier to make an excuse (while enjoying pie) and claim that explanation as the reason for the situation or ‘my truth’. 

‘My truth’ has become a popular excuse to wrap one’s mind around a preferred version of truth.  If you will notice when someone expresses ‘their truth’, it always benefits their agenda or lifestyle.   Truth can never be shaped according to the eye or desire of the beholder.  Truth is never possessed, owned or personalized by anyone for their own comfort, favor or plan.  Truth stands alone and is either observed, ignored or followed for what it is.  Any variation is a lie.  No one owns truth.  When you hear someone expressing ‘their truth’ be careful with what you hear…be very careful.  I have found an attitude of healthy skepticism to be very helpful.  I have always questioned everything.  It does not matter who says it, where you read or heard it; it never hurts to question anything and everything you hear and observe. 

I always challenged listeners to question whatever they heard me proclaim and don’t accept it until you research and verify it as truth.  I also told them if/when they found what I proclaimed to be in error of the truth to let me know and I would buy their lunch.  Never hide or be afraid of the truth.  Truth can stand any scrutiny.  Truth invites it.  The scriptures say, “Put everything to the test. Accept what is good and don’t have anything to do with evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22).  It is usually fairly easy to discern what it right and what is wrong.  It is not always as easy to do what is right.  I grew up in a place and time where it was culturally acceptable to mistreat people who had darker skin.  In fact, such conduct was promoted in some pulpits.  However, it did not take much testing to see that such behavior was evil. 

Truly seeing and properly responding to the truth can shake the foundation of a world that may not be working well but, it is a world in which we have grown comfortable and accepted.  Following truth will often lead to work that we don’t really want to do and change we may not really want.  History shows us that we do not always deal kindly with truth.  Gandhi spoke truth that led to India’s independence but an angry Muslim killed him because it did not correspond to ‘his truth’.  Martin Luther King Jr. spoke truth concerning civil rights and equal treatment for all people but that truth that was not accepted by everyone and he was assassinated.   Jesus was/is truth and religious people, who should be the ones seeking truth most of all, had him crucified.   Truth will not always make you popular, just right. 

So, how can you know who to believe and what is truth?  What did Jesus tell Pilate? “Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” (John 18:37)  Listen and follow what he says “and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).  An honest life will not always be the way to win friends and influence people, sorry, Dr. Peale, but it will give you the freedom of conscience to live a life of integrity and truth rather than one of hypocrisy, lies, guilt and shame.   Find and follow truth.  Peace of mind comes from knowing and following truth.  Don’t believe me?  Look it up!    

Savor the Moment

Over the years I have studied many, if not most, religions and philosophical beliefs.  In doing so I have discovered that while there are extreme differences in many of these beliefs, they also have some commonality.  Every religious or philosophical belief is actually seeking a way to best navigate this life.  Some seek different religious or faith pathways while others seek more secular or logical direction but all are actually pursuing a way to make sense or come to terms with the best or better way to live out our time on this planet. 

I have also come to observe, at least in my opinion (which may make sense or be disagreeable to you but since I am writing this and am somewhat prejudiced toward my opinion I think it has merit), that there is one approach that is best no matter what religion or philosophy one cherishes or follows.  Jesus teaches us not to worry about tomorrow.  The Apostle Paul speaks of forgetting what is behind. René Descartes’ expression, "I doubt, therefore I think, therefore I am", summarizes that even in the midst of extreme doubt about every belief and everything the very fact that we are able to express a conscious thought at a specific moment verifies our existence.  There are many other expressions and quotes from religion and philosophy but (again, in my humble opinion), the best way to pass through this life is to ‘Savor the Moment’.  Think about it; no matter what faith, scientific belief or philosophy one holds most dear the only reality we have is the present, this very moment…right now!  

I have lived most of my life by faith in Christ, however no matter how strong our faith in a particular religion or philosophy, we can only ‘believe' if we don't have the evidence to truly ‘know'.  If we had the actual evidence to prove our belief, it would no longer be ‘faith’.  Hebrews 11:1 describes faith as being “sure of what we hope for and certain of what cannot see”.  The Authorized King James Bible (which some say is the only one that God personally endorsed) uses the words “substance” and “evidence” but it still comes down to believing something that cannot be proven as a solid fact.  However, to many, declaring: “I believe” is never an adequate substitute for being able to say, “I know”, and faith is largely centered around belief because it relies on second, third, fourth (and so on) accounts of things that may or may not be true.  But the point is not to question anyone's faith, but to simply present you with what is real. And the only thing we know to be real is this very moment.

 

Even the scientist who only believes what can be proven with evidence can only know what the evidence proves at that moment.  We have seen cases where evidence changed or new evidence was discovered and things that were once proven to be factual in a scientifically established conclusion were now proven wrong or changed.  So, whether one is a logical thinking atheistic scientist or a deeply faithful religious believer all one can really ‘know’ is what one is experiencing at this very moment.  This is life! It may not exist past this moment so we must cling to and savor the sacredness of this moment.  Whether you believe in life after death or that death will be the end of any and all existence, you know that you have this moment!  So, no matter what belief or philosophy makes the most sense to you, savor this moment!

And how does one best savor this moment?  Well, once again in my humble opinion (and remember, I am somewhat biased in the opinions of this writer) the best way to savor the moment is to be kind and loving to those around you at this moment and seek to enjoy and have as much fun as you can in this moment.  You may not be able to control who is around you and their behavior may not be kind or positive but you can make the most of the moment for yourself by being kind and loving to them.  Jesus told us to even love our enemies.  We may not be able to control their actions but we can control ours.  We can forgive and forget as quickly as possible to let go of any anger or grudges.  It is amazing how often a kind word or a simple smile can diffuse a difficult moment.   

The situation of the moment may not be pleasant.  In fact, it may be difficult or emotionally and physically painful.  However, one can make the most of the moment by seeking to find and share joy as much as possible no matter what is going on.  Even in the midst of terrible pain or grief sharing love can bring joy. 

I have found this approach to always work in helping me make the most of each moment.  Even when I was being prepared for serious life-threatening surgery I sought to make myself and those around me more relaxed and comfortable by being pleasant, kind and joyful.  If this was to be my last moment of life I certainly didn’t want to have a bad time of it.  As they put me under anesthesia I knew I would wake in Heaven or the recovery room but I knew that was out of my hands.  The only thing I could do was savor the moment, even if it was to be my last on this planet...especially if it was to be my last moment on this planet!

By the way, according to the dictionary, savor means: to give flavor to: SEASON, to have experience of: TASTE, to taste or smell with pleasure: RELISH, and/or: to delight in: ENJOY.  All of those apply to my suggestion that you savor the moment!  All describe the best way to make the most of your life, which is the experience of this moment!  Right now is what you have…make the most of it!