“At times, I can be lazy.”
Don’t get the wrong idea. I work hard but when it comes to doing chores around the house… I can be lazy. I don’t like chores or at least that’s what I usually say,
This week, during vacation, I’ve been doing chores, lots and lots of chores: Cleaning, scraping, painting… ecch!
Anyway, that’s what I thought at the beginning of the week but maybe I need to rethink my ecch!
In the midst of the chores, I had lots of time to think and to pray… about life, my relationship with God and my responsibility to the churches I serve.
I am blessed. I really am.
I have a beautiful and devoted wife and wonderful children. I have a supportive family and friends and an exciting career filled with challenges and opportunities. Here is the best part. I am serving the God I love in ways I never imagined nearly 25 years ago when I gave my life to Jesus Christ.
In the midst of the hard work of cleaning, scraping and painting I was given a golden opportunity to appreciate my blessings.
Don’t get me wrong. I’ve had my share of sins, mistakes and tragedies. People, at times have treated me horribly and at times I have been pretty horrible myself. I’ve been broke, manipulated, fired, divorced and beat up. I’ve stumbled and fallen so often, my body at times feels like one gigantic bruise.
But at the same, I am very aware that I have been blessed.
Philip Yancey described a woman who gave a remarkable account of achievement. An early feminist, she gained renown in the male-dominated field of endocrinology. At the end of her story she said simply, “As I look back, this is what matters. I have loved and been loved and all the rest is just background music.”
I like that. I can honestly say that I’ve loved and been loved far more than I ever thought possible or deserved.
I have especially been loved fiercely by God.
Paul said in Romans: “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (8:38-39)
Why am I writing this? I needed this time in the midst of chores to realize some important truths.
God turned me around through the marvelous gift of grace and gave my life meaning and purpose.
- I need to more fully appreciate this precious gift of God.
I need to continue working to share God’s grace with others.
That’s why I’m writing and praying.
I pray you will take a few moments to appreciate your life, your family and your relationship with God.
I pray you will join me in praying for creative new ways to share our blessings with others.
Well, soon it is back to the chores. Maybe that’s part of God’s lesson too… humility.
