Looking Through a Better Lens

I recently had cataract surgery.   For you youngsters let me explain it to you.  As we age most of us will develop cataracts.  In simple language, the lens of your eye becomes cloudy.   It is like looking at the world through extremely dirty glasses that you cannot clean.  I knew I was having trouble seeing, especially when my wife was screaming; “That’s a ditch not a driveway!”  She used to scream about other things while I was driving but that is another story.  Anyway, again for those too young to yet know about this issue, the surgery removes the cataract and inserts a new lens.  It is amazing how quickly one’s vision changes.  I could not only easily distinguish the difference between a ditch and a driveway as well as read road signs again.  I had forgotten how the increasingly cloudy vision had affected the vividness of colors and seeing details.  We have several bird-feeders in our back yard and love to sit and watch the birds.  My wife would say look at the number of Cardinals around a certain feeder and I hated to admit that I could barely see the feeder.  The morning after my surgery I sat and saw the most beautiful bright red Cardinal and not only could see the vibrant coloring of all the markings but individual feathers.  I thought, “Wow, I had forgotten how much I had been missing.”

The lens by which we view life can make all the difference.  I am not just thinking of the physical lens in our eye but the way we see and perceive.  There are some who go through life looking at the world through the lens of prejudice.  They look down on those who are different in skin color, ethnicity, and educational, social or financial status.  Some have a distorted lens and viewpoint concerning people from different countries or different parts of this country.  People can develop a different lens to see a cloudy inaccurate vision of people with different political or religious beliefs.  Others look at the world through a lens of anger, bitterness, jealousy, or any number of negative views that cloud and distort the truth. 

We all need to have times to examine the clarity of what I call our lens of ‘spiritual vision’.   The spiritual anatomy is different from the physical anatomy.  Jesus told us in Matthew 5:8 that those who are “pure in heart” are “blessed” because they “will see God”.  So as the physical eyes often need a faulty lens removed and replaced with a clear new lens to give a clear, undistorted view of how things truly look; a heart that is pure sees God, which is true and accurate.  Such clear, accurate and Godly vision sees the beauty of each individual life God has created rather than a distorted critical unloving and unforgiving view.   It is a vision that looks through the lens of love and grace.  As we go through life in this “sin-scarred” world with all of its trials and troubles it is easy to develop a ‘spiritual cataract’ that causes a distorted vision that benefits no one but in fact can be quite harmful. 

My physical cataract was discovered as I went for regular checkups and the eye doctor performed several tests to discover the reason for the change in my vision.  A ‘spiritual cataract’ can be detected by a Spiritual heart exam.  Ask yourself some of the following questions…and be honest with your answers: How is your state of joy?  Are you easily angered?  Do you have some people that you just can’t seem to forgive?  Are you impatient with others?  Do you find it impossible to feel love for certain people?  Do you think that other people are the cause of most if not all of your problems or difficulty? 

That is enough to get you started.  You will begin to develop your own questions that indicate the condition of your Spiritual heart.  Once you diagnose the problem(s) confess them to God.  I John 1:9 says; “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Take it from me.  There is nothing like clear, undistorted vision that will show you the way things really look.  There is also nothing like having a heart that is clear and pure of distortion.  Life is too short not to see all of its beauty in a clear and undistorted fashion.  God’s world and the people He created are also too precious not to be seen without His clear vision.  

Expand Your Vision

There is a tumbleweed on my patio.  Tumbleweeds are not normally found in South Carolina.  In fact this one came from Kansas…over 40 years ago.  My mother-in-law was heading home with her husband and youngest son from their first visit to see their daughter and her new husband in their first church staff position in Wichita, KS.  Tumbleweeds occasionally blew across the highway.  Her husband and son saw them but didn’t pay much attention this was a common sight for that part of the country.  However, she had a vision and saw more than a bush blowing across the road.  She made him stop the car, retrieve the tumbleweed and move the luggage to the backseat to make room for the tumbleweed to ride unharmed in the trunk for the next thousand miles.  By the way, he loved her very much and was used to following her directions and requests even when he had no clue where they were leading. 

She had a gift to see beyond what others saw at first glance.  That tumbleweed plus a few ornamental birds made a beautiful decoration in their fireplace for the summer.  She did not see the bush blown by the wind that most people saw and paid little attention.  She saw the potential for something better.  The ability to look past the obvious and see the potential in things and people is a gift for which we all should strive. 

George Bernard Shaw said, “You see things; and you say ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were; and I say ‘Why not?’ Senator Robert F. Kennedy used a similar quotation as a theme of his 1968 campaign for the presidential nomination: “Some men see things as they are and say, why; I dream things that never were and say, why not.” Senator Edward Kennedy quoted these words in his eulogy for his brother in 1968.

There are certain gifts that some seem to have at birth. Some seem to be born with a special gift for music, art, sports, math (YUK), etc. While others may try they simply do not have certain gifts.  I tried sports and found out I had a gift or talent of hitting line drives into the catcher’s mitt.  That career doesn’t have a great future.  However I believe this is a gift that can be attained by all of us. That is the gift to look past the obvious as look for the potential, in ourselves and especially in others. 

Too often we settle for the obvious in our own lives and in our expectations that lead to disappointment.  All of us can do better if we will look to our potential for our own best.  I never was a threat to become a professional athlete but I did discover that once I looked past my shyness of youth, God had called and gifted me with the ability to stand in front of an audience and preach a message of His love.  45 years ago my home church recognized this and issued a public ‘License to Preach’.  It hung in my office for some 40 years.  It along with other certificated and diplomas are retired to a less public position, as am I.  However, I finally was able to see beyond the timid image that others most saw and was able to preach God’s love on 5 of the 7 continents.  Even my mother never thought I would be able to do it and she loved me very much.  The point is that we all have potential and unique gifts that we need not be afraid to explore.  We will never know the results of that potential that is within us until we step out in faith.  Don’t listen to the negative discouraging words of others.  Look beyond and soar. 

We can also help others soar as we look and sometimes help them see their own potential.  You may be able to help someone discover their hidden potential with a simple word of encouragement.  I will never forget the words of a preaching professor, who had written the textbook many teachers used, when he simply looked at me, after hearing my effort, and saying; “You have it!”  That obviously did not mean that I would be the next Billy Graham but he did see the potential for me to do something that still seemed questionable to me and others.  Look for the potential in others and don’t be afraid to share it. 

Getting the most out of life is not often accomplished by worrying about what others might think or say and playing it safe.  Helen Keller said, “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. Security does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than exposure.”

My mother-in-law was not worried about looking foolish with a tumbleweed in her fireplace, in fact the opposite was realized.  She was praised for having a vision to create beauty that enhanced life when others simply saw a bush blowing across the road.  Getting the most out of life is best accomplished when we seek to look past the ordinary in our lives and the lives of others.  Open your eyes to your potential and help others find theirs.  If I can be inspired by a 40 year old tumbleweed on my patio think of what you can see when you look at the potential that is within and all around you. 

Is There Any Hope?

Several years ago I was having a conversation with a friend who was the director of one of the major counseling centers in our state.  We were having a wide-ranging discussion of things going on in the world and coping with daily issues in life when he paused, sighed and said; “You know, I always thought things would get better but in reality they seem to be getting worse.”  This perspective by someone who studies the human psyche and spends his life seeking to help people overcome problems with their emotions, mind and spirit stayed with me.  I came away from our conversation thinking; “Wow; if he, who’s calling and training in life is to guide people from despair into hope, doesn’t see hope that things are improving that is really discouraging.  And this was years before all the effects of the COVID pandemic and the political turmoil that has a growing negative impact on our lives today. 

I spent most of my life teaching, preaching and leading people to find hope.  Now I find myself often needing a ‘booster shot’ of hope.  These days of global pandemic, severe political turmoil, growing racial unrest and various other unsettling events have rocked the foundation of hope and faith for many.  People who once were very active in practicing their faith, sharing and leading others to hope and faith are now questioning their own beliefs.  I called a longtime friend and fellow faithful servant of God as they are dealing with the torture of watching the love of their life waste away in a slow painful decline from an incurable debilitating disease.  They confessed, “Pastor, this has truly shaken my faith!”  I have to admit that; although we had a long deep friendship where they often had come to me, as pastor and friend, for encouragement and spiritual counsel that I now was at a loss for words.  I simply had to confess that I also have been having my own struggle with faith.

We both were very familiar with Henry Blackaby’s famous “Experiencing God” Bible study books and materials.  Blackaby speaks of believers coming to a ‘crisis of belief’.  God’s invitation for you to work with Him always leads you to a crisis of belief that requires faith and action.  Most believers come to this crossroads and find faith to press on. 

Believers can always find hope in Christ no matter how difficult the situation may be.  He gave us many promises that restore hope.  He said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)  He told us that He came that we could live abundantly and no one could take us from his hand. (John10)  Scripture is filled with promises to restore faith and encourage us no matter how things may look or be in the world.  Romans 8 tells us that “All things work together for good to those who love the Lord.” .  So those who follow Christ may get knocked down and their faith may waiver but for most there are always answers to renew faith and move forward in hope even when the future is uncertain or frightening. 

 However, there are those who find they are at the end of their rope of faith and the knot has slipped loose.  There is simply nothing else on which to lean stand or hold that gives hope or encouragement.  They have run out of people to ask or places to go to find answers.  Some of these people are believers, former believers or people who still want to believe but life has tumbled inward in such a deep and difficult manner that the words and methods of the past no longer sooth or give hope.  Some are embarrassed or ashamed of their struggles because they have been looked at as religious leaders or examples of faith in the past.  If they admit their true struggles and doubts they fear that they will be ostracized or ridiculed.  So they struggle in lonely silence. 

So where do we go when nothing seems to help?  When no one seems to have an answer that really gives us the help and hope we seek?  How do we keep from giving up?  How do we find the strength to go on when there seems to be no hope? 

Recently I ran across a conversation with a husband and wife that gave me a few handles to grasp that I hope will be helpful.  Dr. Brené Brown: professor, lecturer, author, and podcast host asked her husband, Steve Alley the following research question; “Do you think that, in general, people are doing the best they can?” (Rising Strong, 2015, pg. 113) He responded, “I don’t know. I really don’t. All I know is that my life is better when I assume that people are doing their best. It keeps me out of judgment and lets me focus on what is, and not what should or could be.”

So with apologies to Steve Alley, sometimes when there seems to be no real answer to the question of hope, the best way to move forward may be to assume that there is an answer.  Is there any hope? “I don’t know. I really don’t. All I know is that my life is better when I assume that there is hope. It keeps me out of despair and lets me focus on making the most of what is, and not what should or could be.”

Strength, Hope & Humility Revisited

 

On JANUARY 21, 2009 I shared the following blog commemorating the inauguration of President Barack Obama. Also sworn in that day was Vice President Joe Biden.  On Wednesday, January 20 Joe Biden will be sworn in as our 46th president.  Although this inauguration will be different due to the COVID protocols and threat of violence, I felt it was appropriate to share my thoughts from 2009 that still are relevant.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2009

Strength, Humility and Hope

It is a grand time in our country. We have a new president moving into the White House. There is no other country on the planet now or in history that exhibits the civil transfer of power as does the United States of America. No matter how one voted, this is and should always be a time of great celebration of our freedom and unique strength as a nation. I hope our new president finds a special place in the White House. I read that there is an unpainted section of the White House on the Truman Balcony. It is exposed charred wood that was burned when the White House was occupied by the British and burned in the war of 1812. History can be quite interesting. This section was left exposed as a reminder of that occupation for three reasons that we should always remember as a nation and as children of God today.

As is often indicated in the Old Testament, and today, we are still people of a short memory. We frequently need historical reminders of God’s grace and providence in our spiritual lives as well as in the life of our nation. As we stand at another significant time in the life of our nation I thought it would be appropriate to remember the three reasons for the exposed charred wood on the Truman balcony.

First, it is a reminder of STRENGTH. The United States of America was strong enough to be established as a free nation where people could live and worship freely. This freedom gave us the strength to come back from the British invading and taking the capital. We were strong enough to regain the White House and rebuild it and it remains a symbol of strength today. We must never forget that strength that comes from freedom.

Second, it is a reminder of HUMILITY. We must always remember that we can fall. We must never take our sovereignty or strength for granted. We have previously had foreigners invade and burn our capital. We must never become too proud.

Finally, there is always HOPE. No matter how dark the days may seem there is always hope when men seek freedom. That is the American dream. Even when the President of the United States of America had to flee and run for his life as the White House was invaded by a foreign power and burned there was hope for the future. All was not lost. The war was won. The White House was regained. The country became stronger. We must always have hope.

As a follower of Jesus I find eternal strength in Him as I can do all things through Him (Philippians 4:13), I seek to follow His eternal example of Humility (Philippians 2:1-12) and I find my hope for eternity through faith in Him (John 14:1-6). As an American I ask that you will join me in praying that our elected leaders will find and follow that same trinity of Strength, Humility and Hope.

He be awright. He don’t own this!

It was one of those recent beautiful autumn days when you enjoyed having the car window down.  We were sitting at a traffic light in the lane designated to go straight or turn left.  There was a car next to us in the lane designated to turn right with two young ladies who also were enjoying the weather with their car windows down.  We smiled at one another as we waited for the light to turn green.  At once one of those oversized pickup trucks pulled up behind her car.  You know the type; they drive right up to your rear bumper and look down at your car letting you know they could devour you for a light snack.  He immediately began honking the horn.  He obviously wanted her to turn right on the red light so he could move on and intimidate other drivers.  She was not comfortable with doing as he wished.  She looked at us, raised her eyebrows and cocked her head backwards toward the bully with the loud horn and big truck, saying; “He be awright.  He don’t own this!” as she nodded her head and pointed to herself.   I loved it and gave her a thumb’s up with a big smile. When the light changed and she felt comfortable and safe she made her right-hand turn and we all moved on.  However, that moment stayed with me.

I have often pondered on how much we allow our lives to be affected and intimidated by the expectations of others.  This young lady eloquently stated she was not concerned about being bullied into doing something uncomfortable.  She was comfortable owning and living up to her expectations rather than those of the stranger behind her seeking to force her to do something she was clearly not at ease doing.   The driver of the truck would indeed be alright waiting his turn for the light to change. 

Our life is too precious and brief to be spent seeking to please or live up to the expectations of others.  We are each unique individuals.  The Psalmist tells us that we are ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’ (Psalm 139:14.)  We each have our unique and individual personality, set of gifts, thoughts and pathway to life a fulfilling life.   There is no one quite like you.  There has never been anyone quite like you.  You have your own pathway to pursue and offer this world.  Our life is best lived following the direction and leadership of our creator rather than the well-intentioned or bullying expectations of others whether they are family, friends or strangers.  As we live following the direction and leadership of our creator we will also make the best contribution to the world and those around us. 

A little over forty years ago I received wonderful advice from a spiritual mentor during my public ordination service to the ministry.  I sat on the front row of the church as Rev. Harry Morotto preached a ‘charge to the church’ that was ordaining me into the ministry.  His message explained the seriousness and responsibilities of publicly setting aside a young man to be recognized as a minister.  That message was followed by ‘charge to the candidate’.  This was a sermon directed exclusively to me.  I sat on the front row while the congregation watched and listened to Rev. Paul Davis, the Director of Missions for the Sedgwick County Baptist Association; as he delivered a strong message directed to me.  I still remember the moment and the symbolism. 

Rev. Davis was a tall distinguished man well known and respected for his lengthy career in ministry.  He looked down on me as he spoke from the platform and pulpit that was already several feet above the floor.  I sat on the front pew looking up at him, which I would have done even if we stood at the same level.  He was 6’3” and I am 5’7” on my best day.  He had a thick headful of gray hair and was well seasoned in life and ministry.  I had a thick headful of blonde hair and was still green and inexperienced in ministry and much of life.  So in that setting, as I was beginning my career in ministry, he gave me wise counsel on the responsibilities of life as a public minister.  There was one moment that is burned in my memory.  He uttered the following sentence; “Please God first and yourself second.”  He then paused to let those words sink in.  That is some of the best advice one could receive no matter what career or pathway in life is pursued. 

If God is pleased with me then I should be pleased with myself as well.  If God is pleased with me it means that I am acting in a way of kindness and compassion as I ‘love God with all my heart and love my neighbor as I love myself’ (Matthew 22:36-40).  If I am living my life pleasing God and I am also pleased with such a pathway, it really should not matter what others think or expect of me.  People have many different expectations for their pastor, child, sibling, friend, boss, employee, co-worker, etc.  One can drive themselves crazy trying to please and meet the various expectations of others.  We are best served, and serve others best by following God’s expectations.  After all He is the only one to whom we will be finally and eternally accountable. 

King Solomon, who was known for his gift of wisdom, searched all the ways one could experience life and concluded Ecclesiastes 12:13-14  with this: “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.  For God will bring every deed into judgment including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”   In other words it doesn’t matter what you do or think the only thing that matters in the end is God’s judgement on the way you lived. 

So never worry about the expectations or opinions of others.  In the words of another wise man, Theodor Seuss "Ted" Geisel better known by most as Dr. Seuss: “Be who you are and say how you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.”

Love Thy Neighbor

Years ago I remember reading a column by a news correspondent that began; “It was a tense and tumultuous day in the Middle East…which is to say it was a normal day in the Middle East”  One could say that about the current situation in the US today.  We seem to be explosively divided over many political and social issues.  We are struggling with racial and political unrest as well as a global pandemic like few have seen in our lifetime.  These are truly difficult days but they may not be that abnormal.  I am not Buddhist but I understand and somewhat agree with two of their Four Noble Truths:  The First Truth is that life consists of suffering, pain, and misery. The Second Truth is that this suffering is caused by selfish craving and personal desire.   Much of life does seem to consist of suffering, pain and misery (sounds a lot like me waking and trying to get my 68 year old body out of bed).  Our selfish cravings and personal desires have led us to be in the midst of some interesting, painful and confusing times for many. 

Four years ago I received a call from a former church member who said, “Pastor, you have given me wise counsel over the years from the pulpit and in personal discussions.  You always taught us to follow the direction of the scriptures but I am having trouble finding scriptural guidance and I need your guidance on how to vote.”  While I was flattered that my counsel was still considered worthy I was also taken aback.  I had never publically approached any political opinion as a minister.  I always considered my job to promote Jesus and his love and stay away from politics.  I never backed away from a moral directive that had a Biblical basis but I never wanted anyone to know what my political leanings or opinions were.  Heck, I didn’t even want them to know what sports teams I followed.  I did not want anything to take away from my presentation of the Gospel. 

I thanked the friend for their trust in my counsel and told him that I could not tell him how to vote except to follow his understanding of God’s guidance and his own moral convictions in making his choices.  The Bible does not give specifics on these matters. The Apostle Paul gave the following advice; “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—or kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior,” (1 Timothy 2:1-3).  So we are to pray for them that we may live peaceful and quiet lives.  I personally always liked the advice of my barber in Louisiana (which is famous for wild politics).  He told me that his grandfather advised him to; “Always vote the incumbents out!” 

Putting politics aside, in all my years I have sought the most Biblical and peaceful direction in life.  When you are always the shortest guy in the room it is easy to be one who seeks the pathway of less conflict.  However, Jesus also told us the peacemakers will be blessed and “called children of God” (Matthew 5:9).  Therefore, I have always sought to make peace with my fellowman.  My mother was a peacemaker and I guess I inherited those genes from her.  Thank you Mom!

I have also been influenced by my upbringing as a child of the 60’s growing up in Mississippi in the middle of the violent civil rights movement.  I was just 3 days shy of my 12^th birthday when Andrew Goodman, James Chaney, and Michael Schwerner were murdered by a group of civic leaders and law enforcement officers.  Their crime was seeking to help black people have the right to vote.  This happened 81 miles from my home.  I was forever impacted by these events.  In fact, I began this occasional blog on August 9, 2008 with an article entitled Labels are Best on Soup Cans referencing this evil event. 

One of the advantages of being old is that you have lived through many crisis situations and realize that while the days may seem gloomy and dark, we have always survived.  When I was in my pre-teen years there was murderous racial strife, riots, assassinations of a president, political and civic leaders along with a war that was deemed unwinnable and unjustified.  However, some 50 years later we are still here.   

In my 40 years of ministry I have served as a Pastor and Director of Missions (where duties consisted of being a pastor to pastors, a mission’s leader, and church conflict mediator among other duties) and I have learned much.  I have had the privilege of meeting and becoming lifelong friends with some of the sweetest saints that one would wish to encounter in life.  I have been blessed to travel and share God’s love to 5 of the 7 continents.  I don’t know if I will ever make it to Australia (even though I speak the language, 'Mate') or Antarctica.   I have also met some of the meanest and hardhearted people who are in church every Sunday and have even acquired positions of leadership.  Surprisingly to many, my greatest spiritual experience in worship occurred in the chapel of the toughest maximum security prison in the state and not a church. 

I have discovered that there are loving people in and out of the traditional church.  I have also learned that there are mean and evil people everywhere.  Some are in political office and some are in church and even in pulpits.  Remember I am a child of the 60’s where segregation was preached from some pulpits in Mississippi.   

So, without rambling on too much more, where does this lead?  In all these years of study, ministry and travel I have learned that it doesn’t really matter if one is a Democrat, Republican, Socialist, Communist, Liberal, Conservative, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Atheist, Agnostic, or whatever; the best theology, philosophy or way to seek the best life each day is to simply “love your neighbor as yourself.”  If we will give our fellowman the same status in life as we think we deserve and treat them as we seek to be treated the whole world will see more harmony and peace. 

We are all neighbors on this planet with a wide diversity of people.  God seemed to enjoy different people because he made a lot of them.  We have different backgrounds, beliefs, skin color, cultures and experiences.  These should never divide us but they should be used to bring us together and enjoy growing and understanding the vastness of whom we are and who we can be when we are in harmony with one another. Life is better when we love one another! Trust me, I am a Doctor! 

“Mann Tracht, Un Gott Lacht”

“Mann Tracht, Un Gott Lacht” is an old Yiddish adage meaning, “Man Plans, and God Laughs.” Despite our most careful planning, the Road of Life is unpredictable.  If we have learned anything from this year of COVID-19 we have certainly learned the truth of this ancient proverb.  This was to be the year of celebrating our 40^th wedding anniversary with a Rhine River Cruise.  When we booked and paid for the special trip at the beginning of the year no one in our country had heard of CORONA or COVID-19.  Heck, I had never even heard of the previous 18 COVIDS!  I guess they never got out of hand until number 19 came along.  Now we have to do our best to stay married to try again next year. 

In all seriousness, there have been far more serious changes to plans due to the deadly virus than our trip.  People have lost loved ones, health, jobs, etc.  We do not know how the world will be on the other side of COVID but we know it will not be the same.  There will be permanent scars. 

Proverbs 19:21 says; “Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.”  I do not believe that God necessarily has a purpose in disease or disaster.  I have long studied and proclaimed that we live in a “sin-scarred” world where bad things happen sometimes for no rhyme or reason other than we live in a fallen world.  The earliest teaching of the Bible declares that deciding to do ‘what we choose’ instead of obeying ‘what God said’ brings disastrous consequences.   Before man’s disobedience there was no recorded sickness, storms, death, destruction or even a heat wave.  So, over the years when I have been with families dealing with tragic sickness, tragedy or death, I have never said; “You know God has a purpose in this!” That is not what Proverbs 19:21 says.  It tells us that God’s purpose prevails no matter what our thoughts, plans or actions may be.  So, what is God’s purpose when things do not go as we planned? 

I will explain and finish this thought in a few moments.  But first let me set the stage.  We do live in an imperfect world and we all have our flaws and shortcomings.  I recently told my wife that anything made by man will eventually break or malfunction.  Who knows what we were talking about?  I was probably making another excuse for something I broke but anyway…the point is that even when we try our best things probably will not work out as we planned. 

I confess that early in my ministry I would be planning a sermon and the thought would pop into my head that this is exactly what a certain person needs to hear.  Inevitably that particular person would be absent that following Sunday.  So, much for my plan!  I also have memories of working all week to have a message that would come to a great climax to make the critical point.  As I would get to that crucial place in the sermon either a baby would begin crying or someone would begin coughing loudly.  Now everyone would be watching the baby or the coughing victim.  Again, so much for my plan!  

Over the years I have participated and led many overseas mission trips.  I would always give an orientation as many participants had never been overseas.  I told them to memorize two words that would become helpful at some point; “BE FLEXIBLE”!  I learned that no matter how well I planned something unexpected would always happen and being OCD, I planned excessively.  My largest group was a team of 53 volunteers going to Romania.  We had people from 24 churches over different parts of the state.  The plan had team members flying from 5 different regional airports to Atlanta where we would all meet at the gate for our flight to Romania on the same plane.  I had many trips under my belt and was not worried about the logistics…until I was ready to board my flight for Atlanta.  I was informed that weather had delayed several flights in other cities.  We wound up scattered on several flights over the Atlantic Ocean.  When I landed in Europe, as I was rushing to the desk to find out where and when the rest of the team would arrive I was repeating my mantra…BE FLEXIBLE…BE FLEXIBE.  I did manage to get all 53 people together for our mission work in Romania and safely home but not as I planned. 

While it is good and practical to make plans, we need to be aware that God may indeed be smiling as He sees the big curveball that is heading our way.  Again, I do not believe that God may have always thrown the curveball.  As stated previously, we live in a world of uncertainty and chaos that is primarily due to our own limited wisdom and poor decisions as a human race explained in Genesis 3.  While God may not always cause the disruption in our plans He may let it happen.  Now back to Proverbs 19:21, no matter how many and how diverse our plans may be God has a purpose that will prevail.  

I think often of the Apostle Paul.  Paul was following God’s leadership preaching and wound up in jail.  The normal response might be, “This is the thanks I get! Why try?”  However Paul changed his thinking.  This was not what I planned but how can God’s purpose prevail here?  He no longer had to worry about gathering an audience.  He now had a ‘captive’ audience with the guards as he explained in Philippians 1:12-30.  When we change the way we look at things, the things we look at change.  Rather than becoming discouraged, disappointed or frustrated when our plans are not working look for God’s purpose in the day or the moment.  He always wants us to practice patience, kindness and love no matter how our plans have blown up or what the situation may be.  That may sound simplistic but that is always His purpose.  When we seek to have the most loving response no matter what happens His purpose will always prevail and we will find His joy.