Unexpected

Do you like getting surprise gifts? You know, the one that comes for no reason. I was in a conversation one day a few years ago, talking about kids toys and the ones we wanted so badly when we were young. For my part I mentioned MiniBrix. Well, one of those with us had some. A few weeks later he just showed up at my door with his stash and just said, “You will appreciate these more than me”. I was so excited.

Another time, another friend heard me talk about clocks and watches. Well, wouldn’t you know it, they showed up at church a little while later and gave me an old pocket watch. To them, it was just another old item in the drawer that had little or no value. The interesting thing is, I told John it’s not just an ordinary everyday watch. It’s special. I suggested I would get it fixed and he could pass it on to one of the children or grandchildren. He would not hear of it because he wanted someone who would appreciate it to have it. I felt honoured.

It got me to thinking about all those old things sitting in our cupboards and drawers. Do you ever, sometimes, feel like those long forgotten items? You find yourself sitting quietly at night, wishing someone would call, knowing it would be nice to hear from someone, anyone. I want you to know, you have them to and you could be the one that makes the call or goes over for a visit. Forget about texting or emailing, or even sending a card or letter in the snail mail. I know everyone loves to hear someone say their name. Now, Remember that wonderful feeling of having that individual in your life? Well go and dig that friendship, relationship up out of the dusty drawer of life. Do it while we all have the time.

And while you are at it, Jesus never puts us in a drawer and forgets about us. Just call His name and He will be there. Didn't He say, "when you search for me you will find me".

Something to think about.

Rob

Celebration

I witnessed an unusual sight just the other day. Very rare site to say the least. It does happen and when it does, it’s a special time to celebrate. Actually, it would be more accurate if I said that I participated in a wonderful celebration.

I was honoured to officiate at the renewal of wedding vows. It was awesome. The bride, all dressed in white and the dapper gentleman was clothed in a smile from ear to ear in his best blue suit jacket. They sat side by side relishing the experience. As we went through the vows I knew they were reliving these words, or similar ones, way back there in 1944. It’s not every day you celebrate having been married for seventy years.

On occasions like this, we start to reflect on our own celebrations and those close to us. Our family has a fiftieth wedding anniversary coming us right soon. Yes, we will party as well. Next year there will be a forty-fifth. Awesome, special occasions. Unfortunately we also reflect on what might have been, could have been and even what should have been while mulling over in our mind all birthdays, anniversaries and reasons to rejoice.

The best celebration that I have is having known Jesus Christ for more than fifty five years. I know others who knew Jesus before I was born. Can you remember when you first gave your life to Him? I want you to know it doesn’t matter how long you have known Jesus, what’s important is that you know Him. A song comes to mind that tells of our past and our future. This particular verse of Amazing Grace was not written by John Newton but added later by an unknown author. Noble words none the less:

When we've been there ten thousand years

Bright shining as the sun.

We've no less days to sing God's praise

Than when we've first begun.

Something to think about

Rob

Time To Put The Feet Up.

I’m giving you permission to put your feet up. Go ahead. Feet up, brain in neutral, and just empty your mind. Feel good? Yes? That’s great. We need to do this every so often. And the older we get, the more often it happens, the better it feels. My neighbour taught me something a while ago without saying a word. In his garage he has all the tools, all the ‘man’ stuff and then some. He also has had two office managers chairs that tilt back nicely. He also has had a very comfortable chair just like Archie Bunker had or maybe Red Green with the duct tape and all.

Many times I have ventured over next door and found him seated in one chair with his feet up on one of the other chairs, hands locked together behind his head and eyes closed. Of course he would never admit to sleeping, just relaxing is what he would say.  I would stir him with my usual line, “What’s up?” And inevitably he would reply, “This is it!” His favourite line is, “My plan is not to have a plan”.

A number of years ago he checked out of the rat race, after all, none of us want to be rats, right? He still puts his foot in once and a while but most of the time, tilted back, hands behind the head and a mind that goes in so many directions. Nice.

Years ago, I was caught up in going, doing, working, struggling, thinking, achieving, completing, even making lists of things to do. Just like you. Then one day I read a couple of verses that changed things.  The first one was, in Matthew 16; “I will build my church”. And the second was in Hebrews 13; “and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

It was then that I realized Christ is at work in this world and in me and I can rest in Him. Yes, I’m up and at it when He calls just like you. And He will do what He will do and sometimes including you and me. Other times, we can put our feet up, slip our brains into neutral and just let our mind dwell on Him.

Don’t get too comfortable, I think I just heard Him call.

Something to think about.