Part 1 "A Life Lesson"

This is the first, of a four part story I will share with you.  In this historical account, I learned an earthly truth that pointed me to a glorious spiritual promise, which I shall reveal to you at the conclusion of this telling.  Let me begin.  A year ago, I was forty-seven years old and for my age in pretty good shape.  Other than a few extra pounds I was carrying around, I felt great physically and had no aches or pains to speak of.  Early in the morning, last Thanksgiving, at the urging of my daughter, I joined her and her boyfriend Jonathan (now her husband) in a 5K race called a “turkey trot.”  It was against my better judgment, but I agreed.  Ashley has a way of persuading me into just about anything.  This time, it was probably her taunt, “What are you, an old man?”  Her teasing worked and pride got the better of me. Besides I thought, what a great way to crank up the appetite and burn some extra calories in preparation for the big meal my wife, Danielle was making.  The terrain of the race course was hilly, wet, slightly muddy, and it was cold outside. I did little stretching or warming up for the race.  Every time I started to complain about what she had gotten me into she’d simple reply, “Go big or go home dad!”  Hundreds of people had come to run as we stood in line waiting for the race to start.  Then the shot rang out and the race was on, ready or not, there was no turning back.  Now the only thought in my mind was, “Just cross the finish line before Ashley.”  So off we went side-by-side in perfect cadence. 

Today I Feel Sad

I miss so many things today.  I miss Lonnie.  I miss grandpa and grandma West.  I miss my dad. I miss others too.  Today I feel sad!

A Kind Word Is Like B12

Yesterday, I spoke with a long time friend and fellow minister.  I shared with him a recent, heartfelt comment made to me in an ordinary conversation.  The person, whom I’ll call M.B. said, “You’re a blessing to our family.”  Those few words were like a feast set before a man of famine.  As a morsel of food brings sustenance to the body, so his acknowledgment brought nourishment to my soul and strength to continue another day. A kind word is like a vitamin B12 shot.  Proverbs 18:21 is true; “The tongue has the power of life and death—” My minister friend, D.S. is also a man of famine and he concluded the discussion by saying, “It really doesn’t take much to inspire us.”  Speak a kind word.  It’s needed more than you’ll ever know.

All Good Things

Late this morning, returning home, I was driving my wife’s Mini-Cooper slowly down the dirt road (picture left) so I would not splatter mud on it.  I had just taken it through the car wash.  As I traveled under the large maple trees, (also in the picture) dawdling and enjoying their beauty, the sun broke through the branches warming my face, and hundreds of brilliant colored leaves began floating, spiraling, spinning down all around me.  The leaves appeared to be falling in slow motion.  It was a beautiful experience.  A small thing like this really is one of God’s greatest gifts.  Be careful not to overlook unique moments in your life.  Recognize and give thanks for each one of them.  So, I thank you Father, Creator, for falling autumn leaves and all good things.

Awesome Day

What an awesome day to be alive. Taste… Hear… See… Feel… Appreciate… Celebrate… Rejoice… Be Glad…  Live life!  It’s a crisp autumn Michigan morning, I have a hot cup of Folgers coffee in hand and I sit here quietly thinking about tomorrow’s sermon.  The only distraction is the sound of geese honking as they fly over our house.  I made it to the front window in time to see them soar in perfect harmony above a cornfield surrounded woods, whose leaves are bursting in red, orange, and yellow.  What an awesome day to be alive.  ^“This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24