The Kind of Faith God Values Most Seems to Develop Best When He Remains Silent.

There have been times in my life when the presence, plan and leadership of God were so clear it was if He was walking beside me telling me where we were going and why.  There have also been times when I desperately wanted and thought I needed that presence, plan and leadership God in my life and He was silent.  While we would often prefer God to openly communicate and guide our lives, extensive Bible study shows that He is frequently silent.  There are times when He appeared, talked and displayed His presence in powerful ways.  There were direct personal conversations with Adam & Eve, Abraham, Samuel, Moses, etc. There are also long periods of time when God remained silent.  He promised Abraham that he would be the father of a great nation.  At the end of Genesis, we see a small group of Isaacs's descendants then Exodus opens with these descendants of Israel growing larger but enslaved be the powerful nation of Egypt for some 400 years.  Think of the stories of the promise of becoming a great nation that parents and grandparents told their children and grandchildren who were born into slavery and would die in slavery for generations with no word from God following up the promise…until a man on the run from Egyptian soldiers for murder saw a burning bush in the desert.  God clearly spoke to Moses and then showed His power and presence in such dramatic ways that even the Egyptians believed and let Moses walk away with millions of Hebrew slaves headed to the ‘promised land’. 

They were about to set off on a journey directly guided and protected by God in powerful visible displays never seen before or since.  The sea would part to let them pass ahead of the pursuing Egyptian army.  Once they were on the other side God closed the sea and destroyed that threat.   His presence was manifested as a pillar of cloud to guide them in the day and a pillar of fire to comfort at night.  Moses would go up the mountain and have direct conversation as one man to another.  God protected them and supplied all their needs.  Deuteronomy 29:4-6 says; “But to this day the Lord has not given you a mind that understands or eyes that see or ears that hear. Yet the Lord says, “During the forty years that I led you through the wilderness, your clothes did not wear out, nor did the sandals on your feet. You ate no bread and drank no wine or other fermented drink. I did this so that you might know that I am the Lord your God.”. 

They were fed Manna from Heaven and never received a bill.  Rarely in the Bible did God show Himself, His power, mercy and grace so frequently to such a large group.  And how did they respond to the powerful presence and dramatic displays of His power?  They complained on a regular basis and when Moses was on Mount Sinai, conversing with God interceding for the Hebrew people, they made a golden calf to worship instead of the God who had been repeatedly performing miracles displaying His power and presence! 

The Old Testament is filled with examples of God exhibiting His power and presence.  Look at the example of Elijah on Mount Carmel.  He challenged 450 prophets of Baal to a public contest to prove whose God was real.  They both would build an alter then place a sacrificial bull on the alter but not light the fire.  “Then you call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the Lord. The god who answers by fire—he is God.”  I am sure you are familiar with the story (1 Kings 18) as they tried in every way to have their god respond.  Elijah ridiculed them and then saturated his alter with water so much that it filled the trench around the alter.  Then he prayed; “Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.”  Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench.  When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, “The Lord—he is God! The Lord—he is God!”  Well, that revival, sadly, like many didn’t last long.  Elijah was soon found fleeing from Jezebel in fear of his life. 

What happened?  Well, it seems that we are and have long been a people with a very short memory and fickle faith.  Even the most dramatic display of God’s power and presence in our midst, when the Word became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14), was met with doubt, skepticism and rejection.  Scripture tells us that “not even his brothers believed in him” (John 7:5). Jesus' own family rejected him as the Messiah.  In spite of the miracles and power that He possessed Jesus was scorned and rejected.  I think one of the saddest verses in the Bible is John 1:11; “He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.”  After mankind's negative reaction to these most demonstrative revelations of God's power and presence, who could blame God for the 'silent treatment'?

The last sermon series I preached before retirement was on Hebrews 11.  This entire chapter is devoted to faith.  Verse 1 begins with; “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”  Then the chapter begins to describe the faith of people we consider spiritual giants such as, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, etc.  This chapter is often referred to as the ‘Hall of Faith’ as it lists the people whom we would consider giants of faith.  However, the chapter concludes reminding us that ‘Hall of Fame Faith’ remains even when God is silent as verses 11:39 & 40 remind us that; “These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.”   I always found it remarkable that “none of them received what had been promised”, but none lost their faith! 

So, when we look at the crazy world in which we live with growing violence, war, climate changes, political insanity, illness that affects us and our loved ones and we pray for God to act; what should we do when He remains silent? We should remember to do as the members of Hebrew’s ‘Hall of Faith’ did in holding on to the “confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”  Whether we like it or understand it, the kind of faith God values most seems to develop best when He remains silent.  Therefore, if you are at the end of your rope of prayers and faith…tie a not and hang on.  God may remain silent but remember Hebrews 11.  He has planned 'something better for us so that we will all be made perfect'.  At least that what He has promised! 

Always Leave It Better Than You Found It!

Years ago, when I was working to make an honest living as a minister, I participated and led many mission trips and disaster relief trips.  It is considered a mission trip when one goes to another part of the country or to another country to assist the residents in a spiritual or physical endeavor.  A disaster relief mission is one where a trained team goes into a region that has just experienced a natural disaster, such as a flood, tornado hurricane, etc. and renders immediate help that is needed for residents to try to recover from the disaster.  

In either case we often stayed in homes or churches as there were often no other accommodations available.  I always had a motto that I shared with my teams, whether we stayed in a church or someone’s home.  “Always leave it better than you found it!”

I noticed that especially on disaster relief trips where we would often be housed in a church or facility with teams from other states or areas in camping type situations because many motels or other resources had been destroyed by hurricanes or tornados, that some teams would leave the areas in a mess.  I guess they did not realize that church volunteers would have to clean up their mess in addition to recovering from the tornado, flood or hurricane that had brought the teams to their area in the first place.

I always told our teams that we would follow our motto; “Always leave it better than you found it!” That applied not only to the area where we would clear downed trees, make necessary repairs to downed homes, etc.  But we would also leave the area/church/homes that hosted us without having to clean up behind us when we left.  We would leave every place better than we found it as much as possible.  I felt that this would leave the most positive impression on those we came to assist. 

I still think this is a good way to look at life.  I admit that some of this philosophy comes from my OCD tendencies where I hate to see things left undone, trash left in the parking lot, pictures hanging crooked, etc.  I know I should probably be in therapy.  My wife calls me a “Boy Scout” when I return shopping carts left in the parking lot to the proper place or pick up trash that someone threw out the window. 

But think about it, what if we all decided to leave things better than we found them?  We would all be seeking to improve the world around us rather than consuming and leaving things for someone else to take care of it.   

I have now long been retired and no longer lead people on mission or disaster relief mission trips but I still try to leave things better than I found them.  And I still think this is a good philosophy.  I think the world would be better if we left things better than we found it so others would not be having to deal with a mess left behind by someone else.

This is one of my shorter blogs but I think I got my point across.  I hope that wherever you go and whatever you do from this day forward you will try to “Always leave it better than you found it!”

The Last Word

Years ago, I was serving 50 churches in various capacities.  We organized Disaster Relief ministries to help those recovering from hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and any other natural disaster.  We removed trees from houses, rebuilt homes and cleaned out flood damaged homes.  We also rebuilt and repaired homes for poor people in our home area and in other states.  We organized teams of retired, middle aged and young people who connected in the name of Christ to minister to those in need.  I was also privileged to participate and lead teams to go overseas to dozens of countries to share the love of Christ in many ways; through construction, medical and Bible teaching teams.  Some of these third world countries required extreme focus on security as we often were in places that would be dangerous.  I have had armed soldiers stop our van seeking a bribe before we could pass.  We went to places where we had constant police escorts that were necessary to grant us safety for the work and ministry we sought to give. 

I never thought about my personal safety.  I always assumed that “God would take care of me…as long as I didn’t do anything too foolish.”  However, my wife would always worry about me.  That’s what people who genuinely love you do…and I am blessed as she genuinely loves me! 

She once asked me which one of my pastor friends would I want to conduct my funeral should something happen.  Being the natural born smart-alecky person I have been most of my life, I answered; “Don’t bother anyone.  I’ll do it myself!”   I then began thinking about recording my own funeral. 

I decided that I would film myself kayaking down a creek and stopping at the camera I had previously set up to share some final thoughts and wisdom with a sense of humor.  (hey, it’s my funeral, I can call it wisdom and humorous if I want to!) I would record a DVD that would be placed in a safe deposit box not to be opened or viewed until my death.  I picked out the perfect spot.   It was a creek that had a bend that came to a perfect place to put the camera for recording.  I would set everything up and set the camera to record then go off camera to get into the kayak upstream and paddle into the camera range, pulling over to share greetings and my final words.  After sharing whatever wisdom, I thought I had obtained over the years, I would pause and look over my shoulder and say, “Well, I guess it is time to see what is around the next bend.  See you later!”  I would then reach out of camera range and hit the remote to start the CD that would begin playing Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9 in E minor, "From the New World", Movement 2 (Largo).  William Arms Fisher, who was one of Dvorak's student's, put words to the melody that became the popular song; ‘Going Home’.  What a perfect ending!

I couldn’t have been more excited and pleased with my funeral…then as if God Himself tapped me on the shoulder, I heard in my mind; “OK, smart boy if you want to toy with and be cute about the end of your life be careful!  I hold your life in my hands.  It is not something to be trifled with.  It is a precious fragile gift that is to be meant to be lived to the fullest every day I give you breath!”  OK! OK! I get the point!  When we are not to focus on dying, which we will all do, but on living and making the most of each day that we are here.  When our time comes the way which we lived our lives should be the testament we leave. 

At the risk of jumping completely off the theological ledge, on which I am always precariously balanced, I am reminded of a conversation from my favorite western book and movie; Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry.  Augustus McCrae, the philosophical Texas Ranger cowboy is sharing his thoughts about life with his best friend, Captain Woodrow F. Call, who is the total opposite of Gus.  Call is hardworking, pragmatic and simple in his way of viewing life usually totally frustrating the thoughtfulness of Gus, who is discussing the life of someone they both knew who could have possibly lived a more fulfilling life outside of the confides of the dead-end town of Lonesome Dove.  Call responds, missing the point completely saying that “she could have died anywhere!”  Gus rises up in his saddle and says; “It ain’t dying I’m talking about, it’s living,’ Augustus said. ‘I doubt it matters where you die, but it matters where and how you live.”

What one says about us after we are gone matters less than where and how we live.  If we live each day to the fullest of our ability loving our neighbor and God as we love ourselves, we have already left the most eloquent words that will be repeated about us after we are gone.  

God's Perfect Vision

It was late December in 2019 when Cathy and I were sharing breakfast with a friend.  As we were approaching a new year, 2020, she asked me to expound on a thought.  She was familiar with an occasional internet blog I started in 2008 where I would sometimes share thoughts or encouragement.  She told me that since 20/20 vision was considered perfect that she wanted to spend the year of 2020 seeking God’s perfect vision for her at this time in her life.  I thought that was a great idea and wrote an article about finding God’s perfect vision for this time in our life.

Well, we didn’t get very far in the year for perfect vision until we began hearing and learning about a new word, COVID.  Everything changed.  We lost loved ones.  Some became very ill but recovered.  Some are still recovering.  Businesses closed.  Some never recovered.  Others are still struggling. 

Personally, I had a very mild case of COVID but other things started happening.  I tell people that I am now 71 years old and the first 68 years were OK.  Since 2019, I have had six minor surgeries, one major surgery, three heart procedures and I am getting hearing aids next week.  I am reminded of a picture my dad had on the wall.  Two cowboys were leaning on a fence.  A brief glance told you immediately that both had lived a very hard and rough life.  One cowboy is leaning toward his friend saying; “Boy, if I had known I was going to live this long, I would have took better care of myself!”   

So what lessons were there to be learned from the past three years?  What was discovered by seeking God’s perfect vision?  Well, I was reminded, as I had preached for many years, that we live in a sin-scarred world where bad things can happen to anyone at any time.  While it is often difficult or impossible to understand with our finite and limited spiritual knowledge and vision, God does not bring or cause suffering in our life or world but he does often allow it to work in our lives to help us obtain perfect spiritual vision and knowledge.  In no vague or uncertain terms, Scripture affirms that God made Jesus perfect through suffering. This is stated in Hebrews 5.8-9: “Although he was a Son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.”

My mother used to say that she would be happy if her children were happy.  We cannot base our happiness or feelings on external circumstances, of which we have no control.  The only thing we can truly control in this life is our response to what just happened. 

Paul discovered the secret to finding contentment in the midst of any circumstance. He truly knew what it was to go through difficult circumstances.  He had been beaten, shipwrecked and bitten by a snake all while trying to follow God’s plan and share the Gospel.  He was falsely imprisoned when he wrote Philippians 4:12-13, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Paul says that he can do anything, and go through anything God sets before him because he knows the Lord will provide the strength to complete that trial. We also can do whatever God sets before us if we trust the Lord to provide.

I was reminded again that life is truly fragile, brief and fleeting.  One can lose life, health, wealth, family and friends in a flash.  Even a long life on this planet is but a blink in eternity.  While God dwells in eternity we exist in a world of time with all its’ limitations.  Perfect spiritual vision leads us to see the importance of loving life, family and friends every second of each day.  One never knows what the next second may bring in this sin-scarred world. 

I cannot accomplish anything positive by worrying about injustice, political chaos and violence that seems to be constant and out of my control.  Again, the only thing we can truly control in this life is our response to what just happened.  I may not be able to change circumstances in this world but I can do something about trusting God by faith more each day and how I treat and react to the people I encounter each day no matter what the circumstances in the world may be for me or them.  Whether it is family that I live with, friends and neighbors I see regularly or the strangers I encounter on a daily basis; I can be as kind, loving, patient and helpful to each and every one I encounter.  I think that is God’s perfect vision for my life at this time. 

Look for the Pony!

The secret in life is often found in how one handles situations that don't turn out well. I have a saying that my wife has heard me say often when things don't go the way I hoped or planned. I smile and tell her, "I am looking for the pony."  The saying came from a story I came across years ago.  

A set of identical twins were being studied for their behavior. One was continually positive and joyful while his identical twin had been negative and depressed from birth. The identical twins were placed in isolated environments to study and find the reason for their opposite behavior. The negative and depressed twin was placed in a new playground furnished with all the newest toys and games on the market. The positive joyful twin was placed in an old rundown barn with nothing but horse manure in empty stalls.

The negative and depressed twin sat motionless on the playground and never played with the first toy. After several hours of no play the psychiatrists went in and asked why he sat still for so long and never played with any tows. He replied, “Well they were all new, I figured I might break something then I would be blamed since I was the only one here so why bother.”

His positive brother meanwhile was being observed running wildly through the barn from stall to stall, slipping on manure. It seemed that the more manure he found the faster he ran and wider he smiled. The psychiatrists decided the twin was showing signs of emotional disturbance so they went in and stopped his frantic running from stall to stall. As he was grinning and covered in manure, they asked him what he was doing and why he seemed to be having so much fun. He smiled and said, “With this much manure there has got to be a pony somewhere and I am going to find it!”

Moral of the story; Much of what we get out of life has to do with our attitude. Many are surrounded by blessings yet they ignore them. There will also be times when life will tumble in. It is always best to “Look for the Pony!”

 

The last day that I will be 70 years old

 Today is the last day that I will be 70 years old.  There are certain ages that seem to capture our attention more than others.  I remember my 15^th birthday because I could get my driver’s license learner’s permit.  I remember turning 18 because that meant that I could vote, get drafted & buy beer.  It wound up not being such a big deal.  I didn’t get drafted or buy beer however I voted in the presidential election for the first time in my life but the president I voted for is the only one in history to quit.  Oh well!  Other ages had some significance here and there.  I never really thought about getting older until I turned 50.  Living half a century got my attention.  This was my ‘wake-up call’ that my years of life were rapidly moving along.  Turning 65 was noteworthy because I qualified for Medicare.  But 70…there is a Psalm that deals with the 70^th birthday.  The 90^th Psalm is a prayer of Moses that’s probably the oldest Psalm in the Bible.  Moses lived long past 70, in fact the Bible tells us that Moses died at the age of 120.  However, he wrote in Psalm 90:10; “Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.’  This is an interesting observation for someone for whom 70 years is just a little past the halfway point in his life.  However, after living 70 years, he came to the realization that even what we consider a long life is actually brief for the days ‘quickly pass and we fly away’ and they are filled with ‘trouble and sorrow’. 

It may have been that 70 for Moses was similar to my 50.  Perhaps this was the time when Moses first began to grasp how quickly life seems to pass.  Each of us has a point when we realize that our time on earth is brief and fleeting.  One day my grandmother put pen to paper and reflected on her life as she pondered memories, both good and bad, of her life.  She was known for her writing talent.  I inherited the writing bug from her.  My cousin compiled a collection of her writings in a book that her children and grandchildren continue to treasure.  Today I refer to a particular writing where she looked back at the life she had seen and experienced thinking, as did Moses, how even in the best times there is always trouble and sorrow.  She wrote about how she hated thinking of leaving this life.  She was a woman of great faith and knew Heaven waited but she felt impressed to speak of the blessings and difficulties she had seen and the loved ones she would miss.  She was 65 when she put her feelings on paper.  She didn’t know that she would live another 33 years until the age of 98 but this seemed to be a time of significance in the way she viewed life from that point on. 

Moses may have been at a similar place in his thoughts and observations about life.  A couple of verses later he declares the importance of knowing that our days of life are numbered.   Like it or not, there is a specific number of days to each life.  We don’t know the number of days we will live but each of us has a certain number of days to our life and then it will end.  I often have said that I would like to know the number of my days.  As I approach the last few days, I would do nothing but eat Oreos and ice cream.  Obviously, that is a foolish way to look at making the most of one’s last days.  It would be much wiser to spend those days enjoying time with loved ones.  And since we don’t know the number of the last day it would be wise to live each day as fully as if it could be the last time you will be with loved ones…because it could. 

Moses states in verse 12, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”   A heart of wisdom comes from knowing that our days are numbered.  It matters not that we don’t know the number of our days.  Realizing that our number of days are limited should make us realize that we need to make the most of each day and not waste any time.  The days can’t be reclaimed once they pass.  Usually, we don't number our days; we number our years. When you have a birthday and someone asks how old you are, you tell them your age in the number of years. But true spiritual wisdom comes from numbering our days, because we live a day at a time.  We don’t know that we will have tomorrow but we know that we have today.  God has ordained that the entire universe functions a day at a time.  Jesus taught us to pray for God to, “Give us this day our daily bread" (Matt. 6:11).  

A heart of wisdom lives each day as if it could be the last…because it could be.  We may realize that our days are numbered but we don’t know when that last number/day will arrive.  It could be years from now or moments away.  Therefore, we need to treat each moment as precious, fragile and fleeting.  That means treating everyone we encounter each day in the same fashion.  We never know if this will be the last day we will have with them.  If You knew today would be the last day you would have with a loved one or friend, wouldn’t you make that day/moment as positive as possible?  Who would want to have their last day with anyone as a day of anger or frustration?  So, since we don’t know the number of our last day, or that of anyone else, a heart of wisdom leads us to make the most of every opportunity to make the day as happy and pleasant as possible.  A heart of wisdom treats each day and each person we encounter that day as cherished and valued. 

As I approach my 25,915^th day (71 years x 365 days…I may be a product of the Mississippi public school system but I can still do basic multiplication…with a calculator), I am going to try my best to make the most of each day.  Wouldn’t the world be better if we all did that?  A heart of wisdom teaches me to love, appreciate and treasure each moment and each person I encounter as I number each precious day. 

We also live by God's wisdom. Wisdom is knowing and having discernment, so that we can apply the truth of the Word of God at the right time, in the right way, with the right motive. Wisdom comes from the Word of God and from getting to know Him and ourselves better.

Wisdom in ancient Hebrew picture language means one who is skilled at separating good from bad. So, how does one become skilled at separating good and bad? By studying and applying the Word of God. In the Bible, God identifies good and bad behaviors and beliefs; our challenge is to find out what God has to say on a matter and align our beliefs and behaviors with the Bible, thus becoming wise.

Considering God's righteous anger and wrath (Psalm 90:11), Moses provides an example of sensible prayer. He asks God for wisdom to account for our time. Time flies, life is uncertain, fragile, and fleeting and God judges sin. It is important, therefore, to value the moments and days He has given us. The best was to value the day is to live each moment as if it could be our last…because it could.  Live each moment being grateful for that moment of life right now, no matter what it holds.  Learn, grow and persevere knowing that whatever the moment holds, good or bad, it will “quickly pass and we fly away.”  Do all you can to help those around you enjoy the moment or day with love and harmony for one another.  We cannot know what tomorrow will bring (Proverbs 27:1), so we ought to dedicate today and every day to the Lord.  That is what I plan to do on my last day to be 70 years old.  Then if I wake in the morning, I will repeat that plan for my first day to be 71 years old and following.  Hope you have a great day, no matter what number it is for you!

Savor and enjoy each day!

 People search far & wide for purpose & meaning in life.  Some seek to find purpose or meaning in relationships, success, power.  Often accomplishing one’s dream can lead to disappointment as it does not fill the void of real purpose and meaning one was seeking.  Others may give up becoming hopeless, depressed and seek to escape by numbing the depression becoming addicted to various escape avenues that lead to a downward spiral.  Oscar Wilde once said; “In this world there are two tragedies.  One is not getting everything one wants; the other is getting it.” 

As I am winding down on the 70^th year of my time on this planet I find myself thinking more and more about what I have done with those years and what I should do with whatever time I have left.  I learned how delicate and tenuous life can be when I was 49.  A fluke medical discovery, that I consider divine intervention, led to two major life-saving surgeries.  My doctor told my wife; ‘this is usually discovered in the autopsy of a young man who appeared healthy but died suddenly’.  I wake everyday with the physical and emotional scars that lead me to the reality that I could have easily died 21 years ago.  I get up, even with the aches that come with being 70 and give thanks that I am still here.  Life is a gift, a precious and very fragile gift, don’t waste it or throw it away!

I spend a lot of time thinking on several scriptures.  First from the psalm of Moses, a man who knew about the ups and downs of life as much as anyone!  In Psalm 90:10-12 he writes; “Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.  Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”  Life in this ‘sin-scarred’ world truly has much trouble and sorrow.  However, we are reminded that our days are numbered.  We do not know the number of days we have but they pass quickly.  A “heart of wisdom” knows each day could be the last so as Apostle Paul reemphasized hundreds of years later in Ephesians 5:16-17; “Make the most of your time; because these are evil times. So do not be foolish but learn what the Lord wants you to do.”

I find that the best advice concerning the way to make the most of our time comes from the words of one who is historically known as possessing, perhaps, more wisdom than anyone who has ever lived; King Solomon.  He was not just a casual observer with comments.  He possessed the mental capacity, power and wealth to explore virtually every avenue available to man in seeking meaning and purpose to life.  He writes in Ecclesiastes 1:13; “I applied my mind to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under the heavens. What a heavy burden God has laid on mankind!

He expounds on his qualifications and experiences of his journey in the first 11 verses of the second chapter; “I said to myself, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure to find out what is good.” But that also proved to be meaningless.  “Laughter,” I said, “is madness. And what does pleasure accomplish?” I tried cheering myself with wine, and embracing folly—my mind still guiding me with wisdom. I wanted to see what was good for people to do under the heavens during the few days of their lives.  I undertook great projects: I built houses for myself and planted vineyards.  I made gardens and parks and planted all kinds of fruit trees in them.  I made reservoirs to water groves of flourishing trees.  I bought male and female slaves and had other slaves who were born in my house. I also owned more herds and flocks than anyone in Jerusalem before me.  I amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I acquired male and female singers, and a harem as well—the delights of a man’s heart.  I became greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem before me. In all this my wisdom stayed with me.  I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my labor, and this was the reward for all my toil. Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.”

However, his search was not in vain as he gives us the following basic teachings for making the most of our days under the sun. 

1. Make & maintain good relationships.  He writes in chapter 4:9-12; “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:10 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.  I don’t think I will ever forget the first funeral I conducted.  I was still in seminary when a funeral director that I knew from our church asked if I would conduct a small service for a man who had no church affiliation but the family wanted a minister.  I knew nothing about the deceased except that he looked like he was in his 50’s and even after the funeral director had done his best one could tell that he had lived a hard life.  Counting myself, the deceased and the funeral director there were less than a dozen people attending the service.  Afterward the best dressed attendee shook my hand and thanked me saying; “I want to thank you for doing this.  I know you did not know him and honestly, we really didn’t know him well either.  However, he was a family member and I felt like he deserved a decent burial.”  What a sad lonely ending to life!  I also remember Rabbi Harold Kushner’s story of watching children building sand castle.  He could see that they were building too closely to the rising tide.  They barely finished their construction when the waves washed all their work away.  However, rather than being disappointed he watched them hold hands, laughing & running as waves came crashing destroying their labor.  This taught him that, ‘The castles we may build in life are temporary and may crumble but can laugh if we are holding hands.”  Make & maintain good relationships!
2. Solomon names many injustices and pain that can be part of life in this imperfect world.  He teaches us to accept pain and suffering as part of this life.  The human tendency is to avoid pain & suffering.  We try taking pills, having a drink, denial or isolate ourselves from people and situations that cause pain.  One cannot avoid pain & suffering and live in this unjust, sin-scarred world.   Only Dead people feel no pain!  Pain can actually be a way for God to teach.  Hebrews 2:10 says; “Everything belongs to God, and all things were created by his power. So God did the right thing when he made Jesus perfect by suffering, as Jesus led many of God's children to be saved and to share in his glory.”  Wow! Jesus was made perfect through suffering!  Pain and suffering are often signs to change the way you are living.  Rather than seeking to avoid pain and suffering it may be better to ask; “What is God trying to teach me in this situation?  What can I learn to do differently than will be beneficial?”
3. Live and savor each moment to its fullest potential.  The best life is not found seeking continuous excitement and is not made up of great events but daily, often small moments to be cherished.  I am again reminded of a story from Rabbi Kushner (Author of When Bad Things Happen to Good People & When All You Ever Wanted Isn’t Enough).  He interviewed an elderly woman asking her to look back and tell him what she would have done differently if she could live her life over.  She thought for a moment and said; “If I had it all to do over, I would eat more ice cream & less beans!”

Savor and enjoy each day!

Marking Time or Making the Most of Each Opportunity

 Over the years I have often made a practice of writing thoughts, feelings & observations.  It often helped me express, share and understand what God is teaching me in my journey on this planet.  At the end of each calendar year, I would often look back and journal thoughts, feelings, events, things learned and experienced during the past 365 days as a way to grow and prepare for the coming year (or for as much time as God would allow me to survive in the days ahead).  I tried to use this practice as a way to help me become more mature and improve as a person each year.  The jury may still be deliberating as they seek to reach to a clear decision on my maturity and improvement.  Anyway, as the number of years in the past accumulate, I have come to the following basic conclusions (Careful they may apply to you also).

First: GOD'S HAND WAS WITH ME ALL MY LIFE (even when I did not realize it…often and especially when I did not realize it!). As I look back over my life, I see God’s hand clearly guiding me, preserving, protecting me and leading me (often in spite of myself). That does not mean I have not stumbled and struggled but His grace and protecting hand has kept me from totally messing up my life and He is continually working to redeem me for His purpose as well as use the experiences in my past to honor Him today when I follow and trust Him.  Romans 12: 1 & 2 tells me (and you also) to offer myself completely to God not conforming to the ways of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of my mind.  In other words, the more I/we give myself/ourselves completely to Him, thinking, seeing and living life different from the ‘ways of the world’; I/we will then be more able see and understand His will for my/our life.  I/we will then also see to a greater extent how He has been with me/us for this time and His purpose and will.

Second: I AM A UNIQUE CREATION. You are as well, but since I am the one writing this and the previous couple of sentences may have been laborious with all the ‘I/we’ stuff, I will try to make my point using the first person and you can apply it to yourself as you desire.  OK, back to me…There are times when I feel out of step with the rest of the world.  I often tell my wife that I know that I know that I am weird and sometimes I feel as if I am on the wrong planet (I wonder why she never argues with that statement…Hmmm).  However, Psalm 139:14 tells me (and you); “I am fearfully and wonderfully made”. I am not an accident of birth.  I have traveled to 5 of the 7 continents and have met and encountered a large number of people in my years.  I have never met or seen anyone like me!  Thank goodness, huh?  I also have never met or seen anyone quite like you!  There is a divine design behind His creation of me, and each one of us.  That same Psalm tells me that God 'knit me together in my mother’s womb'. There is also a divine purpose and plan behind my creation.  I was not created just to bump around, pay taxes and die.  The scriptures give us other examples of how God has a divine purpose and plan for us before we are born with the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:5) and the Apostle Paul (Galatians 1:15).  That is why, as I look back over my years, I can see that not only was His hand apparent in guiding me, preserving, protecting and leading me but He purposely created me to be who and where I am today for His purpose as I submit to Him.  He created me (and you) uniquely for this time and purpose!  No one can do what God intentionally created you to do!  You were “fearfully and wonderfully made” by God for His unique purpose for you in this time and place in history!

Finally: LIFE IS FRAGILE AND PASSES QUICKLY.  I can’t believe that I got this old this quickly.  James 4:14 describes life as a mist.  It is truly fragile.  A mist is something that is frail and can disappear in a second. Twenty-one years ago, God miraculously preserved me by leading in a very unusual manner to the discovery of multiple aneurysms that could have easily ruptured and killed me.  My mother died from an undetected brain aneurysm that ruptured in the middle of a conversation with my father.  She said she had a sudden sharp pain in her head and collapsed in her chair and was gone.  She was 68 and in great health.  The doctor told me that this type of discovery was usually found in the autopsy as they were seeking to discover why this seemingly healthy man in his late 40’s suddenly dropped dead.  He told me that God evidently still had work for me to do.  I KNOW life is fragile and needs to be handled with care.  That is why I seek to make the most of each moment.  I do not know what will happen tomorrow.  I do not have tomorrow promised.  I may not be able finish writing this blog…the suspense is overwhelming.  However, I have THIS moment!  I need to make the most of this moment.  This is why God still has me here!

Now, I think I can assume correctly that these conclusions do not apply only to me.  Some people mark time while others choose to do as Ephesians 5:16 guides us to make the most of every chance you get.  Years ago, I watched an interview with Colonel Jack Jacobs, Medal of Honor recipient, who, even in his later years, was known to live an adventurous life.  He said; “I believe in getting the most out of life because I am going to be dead a long time.”  No matter what one’s faith and belief about life after death may be, this statement hit me as a reminder that this is the only opportunity we have here in THIS life; let us make the most of it!

A Little Happy

 Yesterday I had a medical procedure for which I had to be anesthetized.  All went well but since I was under anesthesia for the procedure Cathy had to drive me home.  On the way home she told me, “I made a new friend today.”  There was a young man in the waiting room with her.  While many will remain quiet and stay to themselves in those situations, Cathy will seem to tune in to those who may need a word of encouragement.  He was there while his mother was being treated at the same time as my procedure.  She began talking to the young man discovering that he was the only child of his widowed mother and felt a need to give him a ‘little happy’.  Next week we will celebrate our 42nd wedding anniversary.  Over these 40 plus years I have learned to expect her ‘making new friends’ in various situations and someone a ‘little happy’.

That term and practice of giving someone a ‘little happy’ originated with my mother who was a lot like my wife when it came to having a compassionate heart. Mother would often slip a $20 bill in her letters and cards.  These were the days before texts and email when people actually mailed letters and cards to loved ones.  She would also give her grandchildren a ‘little happy’ when visiting.  Cathy told me of her feeling the need to encourage the young man in the waiting room so she gave him the ‘little happy’.  I had given her my wallet before the procedure so she smiled and told me that I also gave him a ‘little happy’.   

The Bible tells us that each person who is born of the Spirit receives Spiritual gifts.  The gifts are identified in Romans 12, I Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4.  A Spiritual gift is an extraordinary power or ability given by the Holy Spirit.  For example, I was given the Spiritual gift of prophecy or proclamation.  That is the only way to explain how a shy young man who sweated bullets through his required 3-minute speech in Mrs. Brewer’s high school speech class and later had a 40-year career preaching the gospel on 5 of the 7 continents.  I was always truly amazed at the end of each sermon that it had actually happened.  One can ‘sharpen the ax’ or improve the gift(s) but if God had not given me the gift, then all the speech, theology and preaching classes in the would not have produced the gift.  It is imperative for each of us to discover our gift(s) and put them to that special use serving God and helping our fellowman.  It is also important to allow the gifts to be practiced and used freely by those who possess each gift.  That is how God allows us to be His hands, feet and voice in this world.  We practice the gift but it comes from God. 

Now back to Cathy.  If one were to Google the Spiritual gifts of ‘Helps’ or ‘Mercy’ a picture of Cathy would pop up.  We all should seek to help and have mercy on others but the possessor of these gifts possesses a special certain God given ‘radar’ to see a need then apply mercy and help.  I learned this about her early on in our marriage as I was looking after to my new wife while she was in the hospital.  During our first year of marriage, she was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome.  Diagnosing these diseases required a series of unpleasant tests…as you can imagine.  After several days in the hospital undergoing a battery of unpleasant tests our oncologist came into the room making his early morning rounds saying, “How are you feeling today?”  She replied, “I’m OK but how are you?  You seem tired.”  He lowered his clipboard, took a breath, and replied; “I had a long and difficult night.  I lost a patient.  Thank you so much for asking!”  Although she was the patient, she was aware that her doctor needed some compassion and mercy after one of his patients died during the night. 

So, I have learned over these 42 years not to ask “who are you buying the muffins for?” when we are grocery shopping.  I didn’t notice the homeless person in the parking lot…but she did.  Or when she keeps the muffins or cookies in the grocery bag and has me stop at the home of the 94-year-old widow who lives up the street.  Or when she gets to the car and reaches in her purse or asks me for some cash, I realize I did not notice the ‘special needs’ young man with whom she talked with while he bagged our groceries.  Or recently when she bought $3 worth of tomatoes from the older man who was braving the dog days of South Carolina heat selling vegetables from his garden on the side of the road.  I gave her $20 and she came back with no change.  They all needed ‘a little happy’. 

Practicing her gifts of helps and mercy also gives her ‘a little happy’ from God.  There is no joy better than knowing you are doing what God placed you on this planet to do.  It also does me good and gives me ‘a little happy’ to see her helping and applying mercy to others.   One of Mother Teresa's favorite texts in the Bible, which she often quoted to support her ministry to the poor, is; "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:40).  Which, not surprisingly, is one of Cathy’s favorite verses as well. 

As you go about your life seek to discover that unique gift that God has given and blessed in your life and then freely practice being His voice, hands and feet.  We all have times when we can give or use ‘a little happy’!

The Big One

When we moved to the little village of Lugoff over 20 years ago I thought we could finish our work careers and retire here to a nice quiet life.  We were 30 minutes from Columbia, SC; the state capital, a city large enough to find most anything we wish to do.  We were in the middle of the small state of SC where we could drive a few hours to the north and enjoy the mountains, a few hours east for a Myrtle Beach getaway, or spend the same amount of time heading south for visits to Charleston (often listed as one of the top places to visit in the world), Hilton Head, or other beach island getaways.   Indeed, this seemed like a good place to settle.  Winters were mild and if you could tolerate the dog days of August, the summer was ok.  However, no one told me that we are right on top of a major earthquake fault line!

The first earthquake was December 27, 2021.  I was upstairs on the computer, as I am now.  I heard a loud boom, felt the house shake and thought someone drove a car into the house.  Since then, we have had 47 earthquakes in the last 6 months.  I have learned that this is called an ‘earthquake swarm’ and it is the most recorded quakes in the history of the state.  Many have been mild and not noticeable however June ended with a bang.  On June 26 at 1:31 am a magnitude 3.4 earthquake shook us from our sleep.  That was the strongest one yet…at that time.  The epicenter was about 4 miles from our house.  Not a good way to wake up.  Three days later, June 29 at 2:43 pm (you always remember the time), a 3.5 magnitude quake got our attention.  That was the strongest one yet…at that time!  Later that same day, 7:03 pm, we were shaken by a 3.6 magnitude earthquake.  That was the strongest one yet…so far!

Experts say that even though this is a historic ‘swarm’ it does not mean that the ‘big one’ is near.  However, those same experts admit that earthquakes cannot be predicted, only measured afterwards.  Thanks for the comforting information.  So much for settling into a quiet retirement in a small village. 

As a minister, I am used to questions.  Some are frivolous and fun such as, “Where did Cain get his wife?”  As you know the Bible teaches that the human race began with Adam & Eve who had two sons, Cain & Able.  Genesis 4:17 mentions Cain’s wife but there is no mention of who she is or where she came from.  So, the question, “Where did Cain get his wife?”  To which I love to reply, “I would tell you if I were Able!”  Some questions are obviously more serious and often affected by current events.  With the continued craziness of worldwide politics, violence and uncertainty in so many areas of life.  I am not surprised when often asked, “Are we living in the end times?”  To which, I fall back on all my years of study and theological training and shrug my shoulders.  Who knows?  Actually, that is the correct answer.  It’s the same one Jesus gave when asked the same question over 2000 years ago. 

The better way to live is not in fear of the unknown or unexpected but prepare for the day/time that the unknown or unexpected may happen.  That is done by living the best life loving your family, friends and fellowman each moment of each day.  That point was made to me in a very strong way 21 years ago as I was recovering from the first of two major surgeries needed to save my life.  Through a medical fluke (or divine providence) doctors discovered a large aneurysm leading to my right kidney and two leading to my left kidney and a rare renal artery disease.  Since an aneurysm killed my mother at the age of 68, the diagnosis got my attention.  I was told that I would need two separate surgeries because each surgery held the possibility of losing the kidney or other serious complications.  You can live with the loss of one kidney but not both.  The first surgery would be as soon as possible in June then I would need to recover well enough to have the second surgery in November.  The surgery was delicate and complex enough that I had to travel to another state for someone considered one of the best in the nation, possibly in the world for such surgeries.  That was step one in preparing for the unknown and unexpected.  Do all you can to be ready for any unexpected event.  In other words, be smart and buckle up!

Step two happened the night before the first surgery.  My family gathered with me in my room visited as long as possible.  We prayed together and they went to the motel for an early return the next morning for a long day in the waiting room for a surgery that would take at least 8 hours.  After they left, I was alone in the room and then I realized that I was not alone.  God promised several times in the Bible: “I will be with you always” and “I will never leave or forsake you!”  So, I decided to take advantage of those promises and have a visit with God…He didn’t have to observe visiting hours. 

I was 49 years old.  I told God that I would like to have a 50^th birthday…and more if possible but that was in His hands.  I thought of the things that I would still like to do.  However, if this was the ‘end times’ for me I realized that I had already lived a full and blessed life.  I was grateful for my wife and children and reviewed how blessed I was to have had them as well as the time with other family and friends.  After a good visit with just the two of us, since He had promised to stay with me always, I realized that although I had full confidence in my surgeon and his impressive credentials and ability; God would also be in the operating room with me.  The more we visited the calmer and more peaceful I felt.  After a while a nurse came and asked if I needed anything for anxiety to help me sleep.  Anxiety and sleeplessness were common before such serious life-threatening situations.  I smiled at her and told her, “No thank you, we are OK!”  She may have wondered about the “We” I was referring to but I think she knew. 

Obviously, I survived & had my 50^th birthday the next year.  Now 21 years later, after having my 70^th birthday, I continue to look back at my visit with Jesus the night before the first surgery.  I have a 25-inch scar around my expanding middle.  They used a total of 99 staples to close the incisions.  Why not go for 100?  The surgeon said I would have an area about the size of a small football below my ribcage & above my waist where I would no longer have any feeling because they would have to sever nerves that would not recover.  So, I have a legitimate excuse for not sucking in my belly.  But I am still here! 

All of this is to say whether it is a growing earthquake swarm, an unexpected medical condition, an accident or any unforeseen event; the best way to live in this uncertain world is to have a daily life of gratitude for the blessings we have and live each moment of each day with love for our family, friends and anyone else we encounter.  That is the best way to prepare for whatever, ‘The Big One’ may be!

 

 

25,550 days and counting...

In a few days I will have another one of those birthdays with a zero.  There are certain birthdays that seem to capture our attention more than others.  I remember my 15^th birthday because I could get my driver’s license learner’s permit.  I remember 18 because that meant that I could vote, get drafted & buy beer.  It wound up not being such a big deal.  I didn’t get drafted or buy beer however I voted in the presidential election for the first time in my life but the president I voted for is the only one in history to quit.  Oh well!  Other birthdays had some significance here and there.  I never really thought about getting older until I turned 50.  Living half a century got my attention.  This was my ‘wake-up call’ that my years of life were rapidly moving along.  Turning 65 was noteworthy because I qualified for Medicare.  But 70…there is a Psalm that deals with the 70^th birthday.  The 90^th Psalm is a prayer of Moses that’s probably the oldest Psalm in the Bible.  Moses lived long past 70, in fact the Bible tells us that Moses died at the age of 120.  However, he wrote in Psalm 90:10; “Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.’  This is an interesting observation for someone for whom 70 years is just a little past the halfway point in his life. 

It may have been that 70 for Moses was similar to my 50.  Perhaps this was the time when Moses first began to grasp how quickly life seems to pass.  Each of us has a point when we realize that our time on earth is brief and fleeting.  One day my grandmother put pen to paper and reflected on her life as she pondered memories, both good and bad, of her life.  She was known for her writing talent.  I inherited the writing bug from her.  My cousin compiled a collection of her writing in a book that her children and grandchildren continue to treasure.  Today I refer to this particular writing where she looked back at the life she had seen and experienced thinking, as did Moses, how even in the best times there is always trouble and sorrow.  She wrote about how she hated thinking of leaving this life.  She was a woman of great faith and knew Heaven waited but she felt impressed to speak of the blessings and difficulties she had seen and the loved ones she would miss.  She was 65 when she put her feelings on paper.  She didn’t know that she would live another 33 years until the age of 98 but this seemed to be a time of significance in the way she viewed life from that point on. 

Moses may have been at a similar place in his thoughts and observations about life.  A couple of verses later he declares the importance of knowing that our days of life are numbered.   Like it or not, there is a specific number of days to each life.  We don’t know the number of days we will live but each of us has a certain number of days to our life and then it will end.  I often have said that I would like to know the number of my days.  As I approach the last few days, I would do nothing but eat Oreos and ice cream.  Obviously, that is a foolish way to look at making the most of one’s last days.  It would be much wiser to spend those days enjoying time with loved ones. 

Moses states in verse 12, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”   A heart of wisdom comes from knowing that our days are numbered.  It matters not that we don’t know the number of our days.  Realizing that our number of days are limited should make us realize that we need to make the most of each day and not waste any time.  The days can’t be reclaimed once they pass.  Usually, we don't number our days; we number our years. When you have a birthday and someone asks how old you are, you tell them your age in the number of years. But true spiritual wisdom comes from numbering our days, because we live a day at a time.  We don’t know that we will have tomorrow but we know that we have today.  God has ordained that the entire universe functions a day at a time.  Jesus taught us to pray for God to, “Give us this day our daily bread" (Matt. 6:11).  

A heart of wisdom lives each day as if it could be the last…because it could be.  We may realize that our days are numbered but we don’t know when that last number/day will arrive.  It could be years from now or moments away.  Therefore, we need to treat each moment as precious, fragile and fleeting.  That means treating everyone we encounter each day in the same fashion.  We never know if this will be the last day we will have with them.  If You knew today would be the last day you would have with a loved one or friend, wouldn’t you make that day/moment as positive as possible?  Who would want to have their last day with anyone as a day of anger or frustration?  So, since we don’t know the number of our last day, or that of anyone else, a heart of wisdom leads us to make the most of every opportunity to make the day as happy and pleasant as possible.  A heart of wisdom treats each day and each person we encounter that day as cherished and valued. 

As I approach my 25,550^th day (70 years x 365 days…I may be a product of the Mississippi public school system but I can still do basic multiplication), I am going to try my best to make the most of each day.  Wouldn’t the world be better if we all did that?  A heart of wisdom teaches me to love, appreciate and treasure each moment and each person I encounter as I number each precious day.  

“I just wish something would make sense in these crazy times.”

I was winding up another visit with one of my growing number of doctors.  I have found the old saying, “Growing old ain’t for sissies” to be very true in my case.  I now am under the regular care of 6 different doctors, one for primary care and 5 different specialists.  But that is not the point.  They all know of my former profession and when my medical condition is good (which it has been lately…thankfully) we often drift into conversations about life, theology and current world events.  The particular doctor, after pronouncing me healthy in his area of medical expertise, moved into the previously mentioned group of topics by saying; “I just wish something would make sense in these crazy times.”

We discussed such things as the misinformation that seems to continue to grow concerning medicine and certain illnesses.  We talked about how disease and misfortune often unfairly affect and ruin lives of people who have tried to live healthy and moral lives.  I shared with him that I told my daughters this phrase to help deal with life that can be and is often not fair; “The only place you will find fairness in this life is in the dictionary.”   Things are going to happen that are not right and don’t seem fair no matter where you look.  However, that does not mean that one cannot try to do their best in this ‘sin-scarred’ world.  Where else are you going to live?

Once again history sees a mad man assume supreme power and control of a country only to oppress his own countrymen and dangerously wage war on other countries simply to enhance his own power mad ego.  It is just crazy.  We also have a woman who will most likely be the next Supreme Court justice when asked, “Can you provide a definition for the word ’woman’?  After a short back-and-forth, she ultimately said: “No, I can’t.”  Wow, I wanted to call and say, “I may not know much but I can solve that puzzle!”  Anyway, these are a few topics that led to the discussion concerning his frustration with living in a “crazy” where it is increasingly difficult to make sense of anything. 

I told my doctor that there have always been crazy times when it seems difficult to ‘just find something that would make sense’.  I grew up in a time and place where people were murdered for having a different skin color.  Others were killed simply for trying to help disenfranchised people gain equal rights as other citizens.  And in many if not most of those situations the murderers were never charged with a crime.   It still does not make sense.  Many years ago, a man who was known for his unusual gift and capacity for wisdom searched for some sense in his “crazy times”.  He wrote a book about his search beginning with three brief sentences; “Nothing makes sense! Everything is nonsense. I have seen it all—nothing makes sense!”  In addition to his unusual gift for wisdom he obviously knew how to get to his point quickly. 

He not only had a reputation for having greater wisdom than most anyone in any time in history, he also had wealth and power to seek and search all sorts of ways to find meaning in ‘crazy times’.  He tried to make sense of things first by increasing his knowledge and wisdom, then satisfying his physical appetites.  He built things to satisfy his ego.  He gained wealth and status as a world leader.  However, he found that all of these accomplishments did not bring real happiness, satisfaction or meaning to his existence.   

He came away with the following conclusions as the best way to find something that makes sense in crazy times.  First, he discovered the importance of having and making friends.  To do so one must treat people with compassion, kindness, respect.  It is important to learn and appreciate the differences we have rather than allow our differences to divide us.  No matter how crazy things get, it is always best to treat all people with common courtesy.  Also, having a growing number of friends helps any situation. 

The writer encourages young people to enjoy the days of their youth because they will pass quickly.  In fact, one of his recurring themes to people of all ages is to make the most of each moment and seek to enjoy your work, whatever it may be.  In the second chapter of his book he says, “The best you can do with your life is have a good time and get by the best you can. The way I see it, that’s it.”   In the third chapter of his book, he tells us; “I know the best thing we can do is to always enjoy life, because God’s gift to us is the happiness we get from our food and drink and from the work we do.”  A couple of chapters later he elaborates on this growing theme saying; “After looking at the way things are on this earth, here’s what I’ve decided is the best way to live: Take care of yourself, have a good time, and make the most of whatever job you have for as long as God gives you life. And that’s about it. That’s the human lot. Yes, we should make the most of what God gives, both the bounty and the capacity to enjoy it, accepting what’s given and delighting in the work. It’s God’s gift! God deals out joy in the present, the now. It’s useless to brood over how long we might live.”  As one continues reading his book that describes his quest for meaning one sees the similar idea expressed as follows, “So I think we should get as much out of life as we possibly can. There is nothing better than to enjoy our food and drink and to have a good time. Then we can make it through this troublesome life that God has given us here on earth.”  Finally, the same nail is hammered more fully in the next chapter; “Seize life! Live with gusto, and a robust heart.  Oh yes—God takes pleasure in your pleasure!  Dress festively every morning.  Don’t skimp on colors and scarves.  Relish life with the spouse you love each and every day of your precarious life.  Each day is God’s gift. It’s what you get in exchange for the hard work of staying alive.  Make the most of each one!  Whatever turns up, grab it and do it. And do it heartily!  This is your last and only chance at it.”

OK! OK!  I think I get the point!  After trying most everything that a person can do in a lifelong search for meaning the writer has told us that with all his wealth, power, knowledge and wisdom he learned that while we may not be able to change many of the crazy things in this world; we can change and make sense of our lives by treating people with respect, courtesy and dignity as we make as many friends as possible and we should do all we can to enjoy every moment possible.  This is the best way to make sense of our existence in this world.  He closes by reminding us that everything that we do matters.  “Everything you were taught can be put into a few words:  Respect and obey God!  This is what life is all about.  God will judge everything we do, even what is done in secret, whether good or bad.” 

Alright.  Time is up.  If you have not guessed it by now, the writer of the book I have been describing and quoting is a King who lived several thousand years ago, named Solomon.  His book seeking and explaining the best way to look at finding ‘something that makes sense in these crazy times’ can be found between the book of Proverbs and the Song of Solomon in any Bible.  It is called Ecclesiastes.  I confess that I used several more modern translations to hopefully express his wisdom in a fashion that gave you a new look at his advice and helps you find ‘something that makes sense in these crazy times’.  Have a great day…and life!

Happy Birthday to the Class of 70

 I graduated from S.D. Lee High School in 1970.  This year I, along with most of my graduating class of 1970, will have our 70^th birthday.  The ‘Class of 70’ is turning 70.  Although I have precious memories and loved growing up in Columbus, MS; I rarely get back to my home town as my life's journey has taken me away and I have now lived more years away longer than I lived there.  All of my family members who lived in Columbus have passed away or have moved.  However, I still stay in touch with some classmates and friends who still live there.  Growing up in Columbus in the 60’s, for me, was like Opie growing up in Mayberry.  It seemed such an innocent time.  I could walk the streets alone, as a child, and be safe.  We knew our neighbors, their children and classmates (if we didn’t know them intimately, we knew them well enough to wave or speak in passing and to look out for one another).  Oh, sure things were not perfect. There were injustices.  Some have been defeated over the years; others remain present or have evolved into different issues over time.  Evil and injustice has been present throughout history. However, for me, it seemed such a simple wonderful time and place to grow up.  My mind is constantly stirred with many memories.  At age 70 memory can be tricky.  I think it was Mark Twain (if not, it sounds like something he would say) who said he had arrived at a place in life when he could remember things that never happened.

Celebrating 70 years of life should be a time to look back and learn from experiences and memories. I am first reminded that life is fragile.  Psalm 144:4 says; "Man is like a breath; his days are like a fleeting shadow".  I remember classmates who did not live to celebrate 70 years of life.  I remember Ricky, my best friend from 1st grade through college.  He had the greatest imagination and was a very talented artist and one of the most gifted musicians I have known.  I’m glad for the memories of all the creative things we did growing up and still miss hearing him play.  I remember attending the funeral of Alan & Bill, whose lives were cut short in a tragic car wreck, with most of my classmates.  For most of us this was the first funeral we attended that was one of us, not a grandparent or older person.  We often teased Arnold about riding a moped when many of us were driving cars to school.  Most of us didn’t know the moped was because his seizures prevented him from obtaining a license to drive a car.  In fact, many did not know of his struggle until a massive seizure took him away from us.  I think of Dobert (most friends called Diane by her last name) calling me asking to ride home with me from college for the weekend.  I can’t remember why I was delayed that Friday as I told her she was welcome to ride home with me but I wasn’t leaving until Saturday morning. That was the last time we spoke as she drove alone in her own car.  She never made it to Columbus but arrived in heaven that fateful Friday.  There are others I and fellow classmates could name.  Many reading this who are not classmates from Lee High’s class of ’70 will not know those names but we all have similar memories of friends and family now gone.

What is the best way to handle such memories? I honor and cherish the memories of those with whom I was privileged to call a friend as my life was enhanced by them.  It is good to look back and cherish memories.  I am reminded that life is truly fleeting, fragile and precious.  It is vital to make the most of each moment.  We never know when our last words with someone will truly be the last words. Therefore, our words should always be kind, positive and pleasant.  There is never a reason to harbor anger or ill will.  We never know when or if we will see one another again in this life.

I cherish the memories of friends.  I want to continue to make wonderful memories with family and friends.  I want to make the most of each day and each relationship.  Randy Pausch, author of ‘The Last Lecture’, said; “We don’t beat the reaper by living longer. We beat the reaper by living well and living fully.”  Colonel Jack Jacobs, who was famous for being direct with his words, said; “I believe in getting the most out of life because I am going to be dead a long time.”  While I like the sentiment of both of those quotes, I think Jesus put it best in the text, I used in the first sermon I preached over 30 years ago from John 10:10, when he said; “I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest.” 

If I have learned and can share anything worthwhile over these 70 years, it is that life is indeed fragile, precious and fleeting.  This world will not always be kind.  There are tragic and sad events that will enter each of our lives at some point.  In learning to cope with the evil and injustice of this world I have found great comfort and guidance from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi.  He wrote the letter while in prison.  He had not committed a crime, but was unjustly jailed because the powerful and influential leaders of the city did not like the message he was preaching.  Despite suffering injustice being jailed as he was only seeking to follow God’s plan for his life, he never expressed a feeling of anger at God, the unfairness of life or those who had wronged him.  He never wrote a word of discouragement or depression.  Remarkably he wrote only encouraging words that still are significant today.  Paul’s words from Philippians 4:12-13 encourage me daily as he wrote; “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Therefore, if I have gained any wisdom in nearly 70 years of life, I have learned that it is wise and best to follow the purpose of Jesus in life.  We make the most of each day fulfilling His purpose for our lives, forgiving and loving others as He forgives and loves us.  The best birthday present we can give ourselves and others is to make the most of each moment seeking joy happiness no matter what the situation may be while we love and cherish those around us.   

Happy 70^th Birthday class of ’70!