There is an image etched in my memory from the early 1970's that when I recall it, it stabs my heart. In 1971, I had just begun working for a large bank. Each morning as I walked to work down the main street, I passed a lady (perhaps then in her thirties) sitting in a wheelchair. Every workday and year round, she sat in front of a department store next to the bank. It is the wintertime scene that is imprinted in my mind.
She was dressed in shabby clothes with a blanket across her lap. Her long thin fingers, rough and red from the winter cold, clutched a small can filled with pencils. I remember watching as many business people rushed into the store to buy their morning coffee and pastry at the lunch counter and then hurry past her without even glancing her way. Occasionally someone would toss a coin into her tin can and she'd smile and give a hearty thank you.
I thought to myself, 'What a sad way to earn a living?' In my youthful ignorance I contemplated many times of buying a pencil from her but I didn't need one and I really didn't have much money myself - maybe tomorrow. Then one day she was gone.
It was then I realized the point and the opportunity I had missed. I suffered with the all-too-common "I Syndrome". I didn't have much money because I had just started working. I didn't need a pencil. I thought she'd be there tomorrow. I simply pitted her.
Today, I understand it would have been good for both of us, if I had bought a pencil from her now and then, smiled at her, spoken to her, perhaps even bought a cup of hot coffee for her. God had presented an opportunity for me. I thoughtlessly tossed it aside. A small good deed would have meant a lot to one in need yet I foolishly thought tomorrow - someday - when I have some money - I will help.
Someday is now.
Matthew 25:45
Monday, March 14, 2011
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Just Around The Bend
The highway wound through the dense forest. Deep ditches hugged the road. For miles I drove without seeing anyone; pedestrians, cyclists, cars or trucks.
The car was gobbling gas. When the gas gauge died a few years ago, I began relying on the trip meter for estimated gas consumption readings. Although I could guess the distance the car would travel before running out of fuel, I had no idea how much further it was to my destination or if there was a gas station along the way.
A young black bear sat on the side of the road, playing contently like a child.
Apprehensively I continued driving, wondering how much further to my destination. I wanted to see the lighthouse at the end of the road. As I approached each curve I thought 'It must be right after this curve.' But after each curve there was disappointment. On the approach of the next curve again my hopes heightened. And after the curve, disappointment.
I had to abandon my lighthouse search. Fuel was getting low. I turned the car around and headed back to the main highway, hoping I had enough fuel to drive to the first gas station on the main route.
On the return trip, I passed the same young black bear. He was still contently playing beside the highway. He didn't appear to have any concerns; he was satisfied where he was at the moment. I, on-the-other-hand, had been rushing to see something only to retreat in dismay. I hadn't enjoyed the trip but instead anxiously eyed the trip meter.
Life is much like that highway through the forest. We hope for something good just around the bend. If that something doesn't materialize, we are disappointed and often give up hope and abandon our dreams. But when we walk in God's will, we are assured of hope, peace and dreams fulfilled because He said, "I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
The car was gobbling gas. When the gas gauge died a few years ago, I began relying on the trip meter for estimated gas consumption readings. Although I could guess the distance the car would travel before running out of fuel, I had no idea how much further it was to my destination or if there was a gas station along the way.
A young black bear sat on the side of the road, playing contently like a child.
Apprehensively I continued driving, wondering how much further to my destination. I wanted to see the lighthouse at the end of the road. As I approached each curve I thought 'It must be right after this curve.' But after each curve there was disappointment. On the approach of the next curve again my hopes heightened. And after the curve, disappointment.
I had to abandon my lighthouse search. Fuel was getting low. I turned the car around and headed back to the main highway, hoping I had enough fuel to drive to the first gas station on the main route.
On the return trip, I passed the same young black bear. He was still contently playing beside the highway. He didn't appear to have any concerns; he was satisfied where he was at the moment. I, on-the-other-hand, had been rushing to see something only to retreat in dismay. I hadn't enjoyed the trip but instead anxiously eyed the trip meter.
Life is much like that highway through the forest. We hope for something good just around the bend. If that something doesn't materialize, we are disappointed and often give up hope and abandon our dreams. But when we walk in God's will, we are assured of hope, peace and dreams fulfilled because He said, "I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Friday, March 6, 2009
Stubbornness or Determination
There's a fine line it seems between stubbornness and determination. The one quality that separates the two, according to dictionary definitions, is thought process. Stubbornness arises from unreasonable and unyielding decisions. Determination arises from a careful thought process. Stubbornness is viewed as a weakness in one's character that often leads to problems or loss. Determination is strength of character that leads to victory.
Consider this true story; I grew up with two older brothers. I loved and adored them and did my best to keep up with them despite the age differences of five and seven years. Anything they could do, I believed I could do.
One summer day, when I was about eight years old, I set out to prove this - to myself mostly. We lived on a high bank of the Vermillion River. On the bend of the river, my brothers had set up a diving board where they skillfully dived into the deep water and with powerful strokes swam easily to shore. I, on-the-other-hand, was skilled at floating and dog-paddling.
As my brothers stood on the sandy shore, talking and laughing, I walked boldly unto the diving board on the oppostie shore and dived. I surfaced quickly but the current was surprisingly strong. The deep dark waters swirled pulling me under and quickly down stream. I didn't have strength to swim across to the sandy shore where my brothers stood; therefore I headed for the high bank which was a little closer. Although I feared drowning, I did not cry for help. As I dog-paddled against the angry current trying desperately to reach shore, my brothers were unaware of my dilemma.
Today, as I look back on that incident, it's clear to see that it was stubbornness that got me into the swift current; into trouble and almost cost my life. Determination got me to shore; to safety although not totally on my own power - God strengthened me.
We go through life stubbornly (or stiff-necked as the Bible puts it) doing what we believe is right, unwilling to look around and see that God is there for us. He has great plans for us; plans to prosper us; plans to give us hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11) But it takes determination to hang unto our faith.
What a foolish little girl I was; I amost threw away my life because of stubbornness. I would have lost the great plans God had in store for me. I'm glad He saved me because today I live the victorious life He had planned just for me.
Consider this true story; I grew up with two older brothers. I loved and adored them and did my best to keep up with them despite the age differences of five and seven years. Anything they could do, I believed I could do.
One summer day, when I was about eight years old, I set out to prove this - to myself mostly. We lived on a high bank of the Vermillion River. On the bend of the river, my brothers had set up a diving board where they skillfully dived into the deep water and with powerful strokes swam easily to shore. I, on-the-other-hand, was skilled at floating and dog-paddling.
As my brothers stood on the sandy shore, talking and laughing, I walked boldly unto the diving board on the oppostie shore and dived. I surfaced quickly but the current was surprisingly strong. The deep dark waters swirled pulling me under and quickly down stream. I didn't have strength to swim across to the sandy shore where my brothers stood; therefore I headed for the high bank which was a little closer. Although I feared drowning, I did not cry for help. As I dog-paddled against the angry current trying desperately to reach shore, my brothers were unaware of my dilemma.
Today, as I look back on that incident, it's clear to see that it was stubbornness that got me into the swift current; into trouble and almost cost my life. Determination got me to shore; to safety although not totally on my own power - God strengthened me.
We go through life stubbornly (or stiff-necked as the Bible puts it) doing what we believe is right, unwilling to look around and see that God is there for us. He has great plans for us; plans to prosper us; plans to give us hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11) But it takes determination to hang unto our faith.
What a foolish little girl I was; I amost threw away my life because of stubbornness. I would have lost the great plans God had in store for me. I'm glad He saved me because today I live the victorious life He had planned just for me.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Away We Go No Matter What
One day as I sat in a coffee shop observing people and writing, I jotted this into my journal;
An older well-rounded man rolls into the cafe in his wheelchair. He's wearing a green spring zippered jacket and a ball cap. He grins as he says, "And away we go no matter what." to no-one in particular. Then he wheels over to an elderly man with grey hair dressed in blue and also wearing a ball cap. He is seated at a small table near the counter. They appear to know each other. They poke each other and laugh like little mischievous boys. The one in the wheelchair attempts to crumble the newspaper his friend is reading.
"Go away," the man reading the paper says softly. "You're bothering me." He doesn't sound angry.
His friend in the wheelchair ignores him and continues pestering. They both laugh. Then the wheelchair man quotes words from a 60's song; "Hit the road, Jack and don't ya come back no more, no more, no more, no more." After he finishes "singing", he wheels out. I hear him say, "And away we go no matter what."
I watch him leave. Yes, there he goes, no matter what.
*********************************************
Sometimes we're rooted to the ground by fear, unable to move forward and do what we ought to do. The fear might be one of failure or of certain people and the power they hold.
As the young man David ran from the crazed King Saul who hunted him relentlessly, he feared for his life. Each time that he feared, he encouraged himself with these words; "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" David also penned the famous words of Psalm 23 that often is referred to as the Lord's Prayer; "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me..."
When we have a true relationship with Jesus we need not be afraid for He is a faithful friend who sticks close by always. Can you bravely say; "And away we go no matter what."?
Psalm 27:1
Psalm 23:4
An older well-rounded man rolls into the cafe in his wheelchair. He's wearing a green spring zippered jacket and a ball cap. He grins as he says, "And away we go no matter what." to no-one in particular. Then he wheels over to an elderly man with grey hair dressed in blue and also wearing a ball cap. He is seated at a small table near the counter. They appear to know each other. They poke each other and laugh like little mischievous boys. The one in the wheelchair attempts to crumble the newspaper his friend is reading.
"Go away," the man reading the paper says softly. "You're bothering me." He doesn't sound angry.
His friend in the wheelchair ignores him and continues pestering. They both laugh. Then the wheelchair man quotes words from a 60's song; "Hit the road, Jack and don't ya come back no more, no more, no more, no more." After he finishes "singing", he wheels out. I hear him say, "And away we go no matter what."
I watch him leave. Yes, there he goes, no matter what.
*********************************************
Sometimes we're rooted to the ground by fear, unable to move forward and do what we ought to do. The fear might be one of failure or of certain people and the power they hold.
As the young man David ran from the crazed King Saul who hunted him relentlessly, he feared for his life. Each time that he feared, he encouraged himself with these words; "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" David also penned the famous words of Psalm 23 that often is referred to as the Lord's Prayer; "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me..."
When we have a true relationship with Jesus we need not be afraid for He is a faithful friend who sticks close by always. Can you bravely say; "And away we go no matter what."?
Psalm 27:1
Psalm 23:4
Friday, December 12, 2008
Birthdays
As a joke, I emailed this message to a friend when she asked me to remind her again of my birth date. I hope you'll laugh as much as she did over this silly message. It went like this...
"Okay, here it is folks. Mark it with a big fat purple pen. My birthday which should have been declared a national holiday but unfortunately it was overlooked - apparently the government had other little things to attend to like the national budget, health, immigration - like those things couldn't wait. Now listen up. This is a very important date - in fact, I'll be having a conference with the calendar people next week to discuss having it marked on all calendars, at least, all North American calendars. My birthday is December 15. And for those interested, the year of jubilee was 1952.
I'll be expecting truck loads of birthday cards to arrive on time - late cards will be returned to sender. Before rushing to the stores to Christmas shop my birthday card is to be purchased before all your big bucks are blown on gifts for family and friends. If you wish to tuck some colourful Canadian paper money inside the card, please feel free to do so - several bills will not increase the postage. Of course, only the large denominational bills will be acknowledged with a thank you card - purchased from a dollar store. Please do remember what you send each year, as I do not wish to receive the same old tired card year after year - do try to be original. Create your own card and verse to show how much you really care about me. Good ones will be stuck to the refrigerator door and exceptional ones will be framed. Dust off your thesaurus to find many wonderful words to describe me and what I truly mean to you and to society on the whole. Now I'll just sit back and put my feet up as I patiently wait for the postal trucks to roll in."
Remember that message was meant as a joke. May God keep me from ever becoming that arrogant.
My birthday is important to me. It's a special day because that's the day God made for me - in fact, He made me. And years later, March 1990, my spirit was awakened. After I realized and acknowledged (confessed) that I had inherited Adam and Eve's original sin (violated God's law) and harboured many of my own self-made sins, I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Saviour. Immediately my spirit was connected to my Creator and I felt a joy deep within me that has never diminished - even through difficult times. It was like a homecoming. That's when I was truly born - born again. No longer was I a hollow being with a void that nothing, no matter what I tried - and I tried many things - could satisfy. Jesus filled that void. I'm more than satisfied.
Now I'll go celebrate another birthday because I am live - truly alive - alive in Christ Jesus!
"Okay, here it is folks. Mark it with a big fat purple pen. My birthday which should have been declared a national holiday but unfortunately it was overlooked - apparently the government had other little things to attend to like the national budget, health, immigration - like those things couldn't wait. Now listen up. This is a very important date - in fact, I'll be having a conference with the calendar people next week to discuss having it marked on all calendars, at least, all North American calendars. My birthday is December 15. And for those interested, the year of jubilee was 1952.
I'll be expecting truck loads of birthday cards to arrive on time - late cards will be returned to sender. Before rushing to the stores to Christmas shop my birthday card is to be purchased before all your big bucks are blown on gifts for family and friends. If you wish to tuck some colourful Canadian paper money inside the card, please feel free to do so - several bills will not increase the postage. Of course, only the large denominational bills will be acknowledged with a thank you card - purchased from a dollar store. Please do remember what you send each year, as I do not wish to receive the same old tired card year after year - do try to be original. Create your own card and verse to show how much you really care about me. Good ones will be stuck to the refrigerator door and exceptional ones will be framed. Dust off your thesaurus to find many wonderful words to describe me and what I truly mean to you and to society on the whole. Now I'll just sit back and put my feet up as I patiently wait for the postal trucks to roll in."
Remember that message was meant as a joke. May God keep me from ever becoming that arrogant.
My birthday is important to me. It's a special day because that's the day God made for me - in fact, He made me. And years later, March 1990, my spirit was awakened. After I realized and acknowledged (confessed) that I had inherited Adam and Eve's original sin (violated God's law) and harboured many of my own self-made sins, I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Saviour. Immediately my spirit was connected to my Creator and I felt a joy deep within me that has never diminished - even through difficult times. It was like a homecoming. That's when I was truly born - born again. No longer was I a hollow being with a void that nothing, no matter what I tried - and I tried many things - could satisfy. Jesus filled that void. I'm more than satisfied.
Now I'll go celebrate another birthday because I am live - truly alive - alive in Christ Jesus!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Two Ribs and a Nose
The coffee shop was busy but I was able to find a vacant little table. As I sat enjoying my cappuccino, I overheard one of the three men at the next table.
The man's voice was loud and deep as he proclaimed to the two fellows sitting with him, "You don't have to be intimated by anyone!" He set his coffee cup down, leaned back in his chair and proudly told the men how he had broken two ribs and the nose of a man he thought needed to "learn a lesson". There was no way he'd "back off".
The man appeared to be in his early fifties. He was not a young boy describing a scrap in the school yard. The fight he described sounded like a western barroom brawl. Perhaps he had not been in his right mind at the time. Perhaps he had been on medication or was drunk - although, his ability to recall the details had not been impaired. He arrogantly declared that no one could intimidate him.
Although he conducted himself in an impetuous and dangerous manner, he had a point. We needn't feel intimated by anyone. It is possible to state our point in a calm voice with rational thoughts, showing respect and listening patiently to others. Forcing our thoughts and beliefs on others results in a stand-off also known as 'the cold shoulder' or an argument or a physical fight. Just look at all the past wars and ones that are in existence today. No one wins; no one learns. But there are times when our anger burns and, boy, oh boy, it sure would feel great to smack someone. Enemies are easier and quicker to make than friends.
World peace is most people's desire. But how can it be achieved when there are many different and strong points of view concerning politics, business and religion? Here's something that makes sense to me; if we "cease from anger and abandon wrath; don't fret, it leads only to evildoing." That's from Psalm 37:8. And here's something else; "the meek (the mild mannered people, gentle in nature, those in control of their tempers) shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace." Psalm 37:11
For some of us it is a difficult task to control our tempers. But that ugly monster can be controlled when we stop fighting God and allow the Holy Spirit to work in us. Or we can choose our own stubborn painful way of simply biting our tongue.
Well, here's to you and world peace - I raise my cappuccino in a toast.
The man's voice was loud and deep as he proclaimed to the two fellows sitting with him, "You don't have to be intimated by anyone!" He set his coffee cup down, leaned back in his chair and proudly told the men how he had broken two ribs and the nose of a man he thought needed to "learn a lesson". There was no way he'd "back off".
The man appeared to be in his early fifties. He was not a young boy describing a scrap in the school yard. The fight he described sounded like a western barroom brawl. Perhaps he had not been in his right mind at the time. Perhaps he had been on medication or was drunk - although, his ability to recall the details had not been impaired. He arrogantly declared that no one could intimidate him.
Although he conducted himself in an impetuous and dangerous manner, he had a point. We needn't feel intimated by anyone. It is possible to state our point in a calm voice with rational thoughts, showing respect and listening patiently to others. Forcing our thoughts and beliefs on others results in a stand-off also known as 'the cold shoulder' or an argument or a physical fight. Just look at all the past wars and ones that are in existence today. No one wins; no one learns. But there are times when our anger burns and, boy, oh boy, it sure would feel great to smack someone. Enemies are easier and quicker to make than friends.
World peace is most people's desire. But how can it be achieved when there are many different and strong points of view concerning politics, business and religion? Here's something that makes sense to me; if we "cease from anger and abandon wrath; don't fret, it leads only to evildoing." That's from Psalm 37:8. And here's something else; "the meek (the mild mannered people, gentle in nature, those in control of their tempers) shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace." Psalm 37:11
For some of us it is a difficult task to control our tempers. But that ugly monster can be controlled when we stop fighting God and allow the Holy Spirit to work in us. Or we can choose our own stubborn painful way of simply biting our tongue.
Well, here's to you and world peace - I raise my cappuccino in a toast.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Lend Me an Ear
In the coffee shop, one table over from me, a young pretty lady sat with a boy of about 10 years of age and a teenage girl - about 15. The young lady - I'm guessing she was the mother of the two children - was talking with the teenage girl, or so she said. I didn't hear her speaking. The boy was holding something that appeared to be an electronic game. He seemed very excited about it, perhaps how it worked or the great score he had obtained on the last game. With animated eagerness he told his mother something.
Quickly she turned to face him and snapped, "I don't want to hear about your xxxx all day long! I'm trying to talk!" Then she turned back to face the teenage girl.
The young boy glanced downwards then slowly raised his head and looked my way. The hurt in his blue eyes was obvious. I suppose he was also bewildered why his mother was angry and uninterested in what he thought was exciting or important.
Sometimes when we're tired or engrossed in something that interests us, we become angry with interruptions. We may even use foul language as this lady did when she snapped at her son. Some might even laughingly say, "The devil made me do it." And that may be true - it all depends on who we've decided to follow - the devil or Jesus.
If we're following the devil, then we'll live as we please, placing ourselves and our interests before others. But if we've chosen to follow Jesus, we'll want to please God by imitating His Son. Jesus didn't display anger when interrupted. Instead he took time to listen to people. Remember the woman with the bleeding disorder (Mark 5: 25-34)? Jesus listened to her and healed her. When children were brought to Jesus, His disciples rebuked them. But Jesus welcomed the little ones. (Matthew 19: 13-15)
With a little patience, we can lend an ear when someone needs or wants it.
Quickly she turned to face him and snapped, "I don't want to hear about your xxxx all day long! I'm trying to talk!" Then she turned back to face the teenage girl.
The young boy glanced downwards then slowly raised his head and looked my way. The hurt in his blue eyes was obvious. I suppose he was also bewildered why his mother was angry and uninterested in what he thought was exciting or important.
Sometimes when we're tired or engrossed in something that interests us, we become angry with interruptions. We may even use foul language as this lady did when she snapped at her son. Some might even laughingly say, "The devil made me do it." And that may be true - it all depends on who we've decided to follow - the devil or Jesus.
If we're following the devil, then we'll live as we please, placing ourselves and our interests before others. But if we've chosen to follow Jesus, we'll want to please God by imitating His Son. Jesus didn't display anger when interrupted. Instead he took time to listen to people. Remember the woman with the bleeding disorder (Mark 5: 25-34)? Jesus listened to her and healed her. When children were brought to Jesus, His disciples rebuked them. But Jesus welcomed the little ones. (Matthew 19: 13-15)
With a little patience, we can lend an ear when someone needs or wants it.
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