We had a nice day at the cream cheese festival last weekend. The boys had fun playing on the bouncy bounces. Westley actually ran from them to get to the playground so he could just play on the slide. It was great enjoying the day. It did bother me having Hell on my mind the entire time. It's amazing the way people disrespect such a horrible place. We forget all too easily how real it is (no apologies to Rob Bell).
Crowds are an interesting thing. The energy that comes from them seems to energize everybody. For a Christian it can also be a reminder of how important our task is. I can remember it hitting me one day in high school. I was sitting outside the commons area watching a couple thousand people going about their lives, and I realized that many of them would end up in Hell. It broke me. How will they know if nobody tells them? Barna reports that roughly 1 out of 4 adults do something to evangelize a lost person every year. That seems like a decent number, except that it represents 3/4 of believers who go a whole year without sharing their faith one time.
One reason this happens is because Christians aren't afraid of Hell. They are afraid to talk about it, but not afraid of people going there. There is nothing wrong with enjoying the cream cheese in life (whether eating it or throwing it at people), but we must constantly be mindful of the eternal destination of the people around us. We must remain broken for the lost, or we lose any credibility of our own beliefs. We must remember that it is us that God uses to reach others, if we don't do it than more people go to Hell. We can't save them, but God uses us to spread His love. "We Will Never Forget"
Monday, September 19, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
New Challenges I Get To Experience
This past weekend Pastor Bob Stoudt spoke in our service. He has done a great deal not only for our church, but for many other churches and individuals in the North Country. A few people commented that it would be nice for me to "not have to" speak. Personally, it drove me crazy. I have gotten used to being able to share how God is speaking to me every week. It probably didn't help that we didn't have Sunday night service either. I love being able to share the Word of God with others. Pastor Stoudt was talking about how long it had been since he had been able to speak in a church, I'm sure it was eating at him, and he did a wonderful job sharing yesterday morning. I guess it all gave me plenty to talk about in my blog.
We are in the middle of our building project, literally in the middle of it. We are paused while we seek clarification on the fire code for the state. We want to do what's right, but we don't want to do unnecessary work if we don't have to. I have been through several building and rehabilitation projects over the years (6 in 13 years). This is the first time I have had to fill the role of "fundraiser" though. I don't like it. I like realizing God will provide all that is needed, and that those He leads to give will give. I don't like being in the position of reminding people to give. I have plenty of issues in my life I have to deal with, but by the grace of God, giving has never been one of them. I have always loved to give, especially to the things of God. He has always blessed me for it. He has always taken good financial care of my family and me. I know how faithful He is if we are following His will, and I enjoy sharing that with others. I believe that is the best way to help others learn to give, let them see what God does when people do give. I can look back and remember programs I grew up being a part of. "Try it you'll like it" when people would be able to tithe, and if they felt they needed the money back over the course of a couple months, the church would refund them the money. God took care of people willing to join in. "All tithe Sunday" was another fun one when the members were encouraged to tithe that week, whether they normally tithed or not. I saw God do great works while doing those programs. Money is just a difficult subject to address, but Christ dealt with the subject often. Guess if I want to be like Him that means I have to do it too. I "love" it when He stretches me!
We are in the middle of our building project, literally in the middle of it. We are paused while we seek clarification on the fire code for the state. We want to do what's right, but we don't want to do unnecessary work if we don't have to. I have been through several building and rehabilitation projects over the years (6 in 13 years). This is the first time I have had to fill the role of "fundraiser" though. I don't like it. I like realizing God will provide all that is needed, and that those He leads to give will give. I don't like being in the position of reminding people to give. I have plenty of issues in my life I have to deal with, but by the grace of God, giving has never been one of them. I have always loved to give, especially to the things of God. He has always blessed me for it. He has always taken good financial care of my family and me. I know how faithful He is if we are following His will, and I enjoy sharing that with others. I believe that is the best way to help others learn to give, let them see what God does when people do give. I can look back and remember programs I grew up being a part of. "Try it you'll like it" when people would be able to tithe, and if they felt they needed the money back over the course of a couple months, the church would refund them the money. God took care of people willing to join in. "All tithe Sunday" was another fun one when the members were encouraged to tithe that week, whether they normally tithed or not. I saw God do great works while doing those programs. Money is just a difficult subject to address, but Christ dealt with the subject often. Guess if I want to be like Him that means I have to do it too. I "love" it when He stretches me!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Demo
I can't take too much time to post, but as demolition has been flying on the auditorium, it is amazing how God is blessing through this time. He has exceeded our expectations on turning this whole thing into a blessing. Thanks to all those who have donated their finances, time, and sweat to help us get this done so quickly. I can't wait to see the end product of what is happening. You can see some of the work at the church's webpage. http://www.lfbfc.com/Construction.dsp
Monday, July 18, 2011
Monday Mush
I realize I haven't blogged in some time, and it frustrates me. I seem to have a hard time finding the time and desire to sit and type things, especially since most of my thoughts I use in messages. Some things aren't great for church, but perfect for just blogging. This week we talked a good amount about gossip. I shared with some people later that when I was researching the area, the biggest internet presence in the community was a gossip page. People were spending their time trashing each other on the internet. It wasn't exactly a good impression that was left on the North Country. I think the best question about gossip was whether it was a sin to share it with our spouses. Most of you know how much I emphasize communication in the marriage, and I had to really think about the answer. We shouldn't gossip, but if that is what it takes for us to spend time with our spouses, it may be the lesser of two evils. In other words, I really don't know how to answer that question.
Jess is still gone, and going to be gone for five more days. This will be the longest we've been apart since we were married. JW is being as good as he ever has been. We are having lots of fun together, but he just doesn't provide the conversation level I am used to. It's worse because I can't stand talking on the phone for long periods of time. Thank goodness we both like to text. I am a person who enjoys being alone, but not this much. Not to mention, Wes doesn't exactly let me be the kind of "alone" I enjoy. I will definitely be spending some quiet-time at some of the local waterfalls after she gets back.
Jess is still gone, and going to be gone for five more days. This will be the longest we've been apart since we were married. JW is being as good as he ever has been. We are having lots of fun together, but he just doesn't provide the conversation level I am used to. It's worse because I can't stand talking on the phone for long periods of time. Thank goodness we both like to text. I am a person who enjoys being alone, but not this much. Not to mention, Wes doesn't exactly let me be the kind of "alone" I enjoy. I will definitely be spending some quiet-time at some of the local waterfalls after she gets back.
Friday, June 3, 2011
The day we are born
Today is Jessica's birthday. I could be all sweet and talk about how wonderful she is here, but that would annoy most of you as much as it annoys me when I have to listen to you do it. Plus she doesn't need the big head.
I'll go a different route. I am very thankful to her parents for raising her so well. I know Denton and Robin had their hands full, she hasn't changed that much. They did a great job, and I am thankful. I hope the parents of the women that will be in our boys' lives will do as good a job. I try to keep that at the forefront of my mind when raising our boys. I want them to be the boyfriends/husbands I would want my daughter to be with (thankfully I don't have to worry about that one, I couldn't handle that stress). Manners and respect for the opposite sex still go a long way. Our kids watch everything I do and say to and about Jess. I hope I am being a role-model that is worthy of being called a dad and husband. If we do as well raising our kids as both our parents did, our boys will be great family men. So somebody better be busting their tails to get some women worthy of their love! I am scared.
I'll go a different route. I am very thankful to her parents for raising her so well. I know Denton and Robin had their hands full, she hasn't changed that much. They did a great job, and I am thankful. I hope the parents of the women that will be in our boys' lives will do as good a job. I try to keep that at the forefront of my mind when raising our boys. I want them to be the boyfriends/husbands I would want my daughter to be with (thankfully I don't have to worry about that one, I couldn't handle that stress). Manners and respect for the opposite sex still go a long way. Our kids watch everything I do and say to and about Jess. I hope I am being a role-model that is worthy of being called a dad and husband. If we do as well raising our kids as both our parents did, our boys will be great family men. So somebody better be busting their tails to get some women worthy of their love! I am scared.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Fred and Me
I have had many thoughts about what I needed to blog, but never the thought to get it done. I thought about the odd feeling of joy and sadness at the killing of Osama bin Laden. I had joy because justice was served, sadness because he needed Christ just like the rest of us. Lots of thoughts for Mother's Day, spring time, and just life in general. What got me to finally sit down and write a thought was Fred. I was sick the last few days and was treated to repetitive runnings of the movie "Cars." Though I like the movie, kids have a way of overdoing things. Even more so when one grows out of something just as the younger one is just getting started.
Fred is an old rusty car that shows up a couple of times in the movie. He first appears when McQueen meets him at the sponser's tent following the race. McQueen greets him nonchalantly as "Fred" because "Fred" is on his license plate. It is the equivalent of the kids whose parents all of their belongings with their names in big letters. Fred is overjoyed that Lightning McQueen knows his name, in fact he feels he is now a big shot. He shows up again at the end of the movie trying to enter the pits because McQueen knows him. While trying to get in, Mario Andretti sees him and greets him by name. Fred promptly becomes overjoyed that Mario knows his name and feels he should for sure be allowed in now!
This all matters to me because it is so similar to our relationship with God. He knows us by name! Not only does He know our names, but He knows every little detail of our lives. He even knows how many hairs we have on our heads, or bodies if you are anything like me. The best part is, even though He knows everything about us, He loves us! It is still amazing to me just to think about it. Unconditional love from the most powerful being in the universe.
There is another parallel that is just as important. Even though He knows us, that doesn't get us into Heaven. Just like Fred, knowing someone doesn't mean we have a relationship with them. We need our "pit-pass" just like Fred did. God loves us so much he provided those for us to with His death on the cross. All we have to do is accept our pass, let Him be the one bringing us in the gates, and follow Him to the finish line.
I just have to say it one more time, "Jesus Christ knows my name!"
Fred is an old rusty car that shows up a couple of times in the movie. He first appears when McQueen meets him at the sponser's tent following the race. McQueen greets him nonchalantly as "Fred" because "Fred" is on his license plate. It is the equivalent of the kids whose parents all of their belongings with their names in big letters. Fred is overjoyed that Lightning McQueen knows his name, in fact he feels he is now a big shot. He shows up again at the end of the movie trying to enter the pits because McQueen knows him. While trying to get in, Mario Andretti sees him and greets him by name. Fred promptly becomes overjoyed that Mario knows his name and feels he should for sure be allowed in now!
This all matters to me because it is so similar to our relationship with God. He knows us by name! Not only does He know our names, but He knows every little detail of our lives. He even knows how many hairs we have on our heads, or bodies if you are anything like me. The best part is, even though He knows everything about us, He loves us! It is still amazing to me just to think about it. Unconditional love from the most powerful being in the universe.
There is another parallel that is just as important. Even though He knows us, that doesn't get us into Heaven. Just like Fred, knowing someone doesn't mean we have a relationship with them. We need our "pit-pass" just like Fred did. God loves us so much he provided those for us to with His death on the cross. All we have to do is accept our pass, let Him be the one bringing us in the gates, and follow Him to the finish line.
I just have to say it one more time, "Jesus Christ knows my name!"
Friday, April 15, 2011
Way Too Simple
One of the best parts about the Gospel is its simplicity. There are plenty of aspects of Christianity that are confusing, or just hard to understand, but not the Gospel. Pastor Bob Hart always states that it had to be that way, I think he's right. Christ came and died as the sacrifice for our sins, then rose again on the third day. All we need to do is allow his sacrifice to be our payment so that we can be reconciled to God. Through Christ we are declared "perfect" before God. I want my parents to hear Christ tell God that I am "perfect", I think they will have a hard time accepting it otherwise.
Maybe the simplicity of the message is why Easter is the easiest time of the year to share Christ with others. More non-religious people attend church on Easter than any other time. We are thankfully a long way from Easter being relegated to "happy spring day" or some other politically corrupt phrase.
This week at Bible Fellowship Church we will be examining what Christ did with his last week on Earth. Next week we are celebrating the resurrection with a Sunrise Service at 7:30, then breakfast, an Easter egg hunt for the kids (I have ridiculous amounts of candy filled eggs in my basement - don't worry, Wes hasn't found them), and our Easter worship service in which we will focus on what the resurrection means to us today. Pray that God will penetrate the hearts of the lost with the Gospel message this Easter across our great country and the world.
Maybe the simplicity of the message is why Easter is the easiest time of the year to share Christ with others. More non-religious people attend church on Easter than any other time. We are thankfully a long way from Easter being relegated to "happy spring day" or some other politically corrupt phrase.
This week at Bible Fellowship Church we will be examining what Christ did with his last week on Earth. Next week we are celebrating the resurrection with a Sunrise Service at 7:30, then breakfast, an Easter egg hunt for the kids (I have ridiculous amounts of candy filled eggs in my basement - don't worry, Wes hasn't found them), and our Easter worship service in which we will focus on what the resurrection means to us today. Pray that God will penetrate the hearts of the lost with the Gospel message this Easter across our great country and the world.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Lady Killers
I read a great article a few months ago about pastor's wives and some of the biggest difficulties they face entitled "Spouse Killers in the Ministry". I know Jess has faced all of them at times, and she has had her battles. I thank God everyday that he blessed with me with such a wonderful wife that can not only support me and the ministry God has called me to, but also serve in her own capacity. It's true that often more is expected of a pastor's wife than other women in the church, and God seems to usually supply His pastors with someone more than capable of filling that role while complimenting the ministry of their husband. For my pastor friends, you understand how valuable our spouses are in both life and ministry.
We have been blessed to be involved in ministries where the church has always been wonderful to Jess for the most part. Not forcing her to do things she doesn't feel led to do, not forcing her to change to match their personal preferences, and always respecting her sacrifices to minister, and allow me to minister, how God leads. Having said all that, I know she still deals with all of the major issues mentioned in the article, as do most other pastor's wives. I pray that God continues to give her the ability to focus on God and His love and will for her and our family. I pray the same for all my friend's families who are in ministry (lay and pastoral). They are crucial to being able to fully serve God in the capacity He has called us to. A Time Magazine survey sited the number one cause of pastor's leaving the ministry to be pastors' wives' issues. Satan has been attacking the wives of pastors as much as he attacks the pastors. It is my guess that pastors receive far more prayer for God's help, we should all be lifting up the ladies as well.
We have been blessed to be involved in ministries where the church has always been wonderful to Jess for the most part. Not forcing her to do things she doesn't feel led to do, not forcing her to change to match their personal preferences, and always respecting her sacrifices to minister, and allow me to minister, how God leads. Having said all that, I know she still deals with all of the major issues mentioned in the article, as do most other pastor's wives. I pray that God continues to give her the ability to focus on God and His love and will for her and our family. I pray the same for all my friend's families who are in ministry (lay and pastoral). They are crucial to being able to fully serve God in the capacity He has called us to. A Time Magazine survey sited the number one cause of pastor's leaving the ministry to be pastors' wives' issues. Satan has been attacking the wives of pastors as much as he attacks the pastors. It is my guess that pastors receive far more prayer for God's help, we should all be lifting up the ladies as well.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Teachers
I just wanted to say something about teachers. Jayden received a package from his classmates and teacher from his previous school today for his birthday. He has received a package every few weeks from them. His teacher at Duanesburg was Mrs. Westfall. It is wonderful that she continues to have a positive impact on his life even after he has moved out of the area. I'm sure she is using it to teach the kids about keeping up with friends long distance and the likes, or at least hope she is. The point is that she doesn't have to do it. The teachers Jayden had there continually went above and beyond what was required, expected, or even asked of them. His current teacher is fine, but the personal effort and touch just doesn't show up like it did before. With all the complaining some people do about the education systems, the teachers unions, the costs involved, and whatever else is wrong, it is comforting to know that there are teachers out there who continually rise above their job to be true teachers and mentors to the children. These are the ones who often go unnoticed. To all the teachers who actively pursue excellence and attempt to make the world better one child at a time because they want to, not because it's their job, I say Thank You!
Pastor Jeff Ford
Pastor Jeff Ford
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Apocolypse Now
We just finished up with our Wednesday night prophecy series. It was different to say the least. I think I made it clear that I love prophecy, but there is so much that is based on other peoples' opinions that I don't see myself as a great teacher on it. Not to mention the fact that most people who are really into it listen and read opinions of people who spend their lives trying to explain what they think. I'd rather focus my teaching on things that are concrete. Not to say prophecy (and teaching it) isn't important, because it is, but it is easy to spend too much time focused on the future to make a difference in the present.
I wanted to end my series with a warning, but we ran out of time. As I grew up, I heard the same statements that we are hearing today regarding the imminent end of the world. It is necessary to keep Christ's return at the front of our minds. The problem is that it can also steal one's joy if they focus too much on it. Christ wants us to look for His coming, but He also wants us to appreciate the life we have here in Him. We can enjoy all the goodness around us, His wonderful Creation, time with our loved ones, and the only chance we will have to serve Him in a dark world. The problem with focusing on the "doom and gloom" is that we forget that He saved us so our joy may be full. I've already posted about the problems older pastor's have faced due to failure to plan for retirement because the Lord would come back before they reached that point. It is important that people have HOPE. Hope in a future with Christ, and hope that He will bless them on Earth. I personally can't wait to see my kids grow up. I want to see what they do with their lives. I trust that God will use them in some mighty way, if they will stay close to Him. We need enjoy what God has given us now, and not steal that hope from the next generation. Yes, we should pay attention to how bad things are and how close the return of Christ must be getting. We also need to pay attention to how much God blesses us everyday on Earth, and enjoy the time we have here without focusing only on the negative. I personally just have hope that Westley will be potty trained before Christ comes back, because I don't think there are diapers in Heaven.
I wanted to end my series with a warning, but we ran out of time. As I grew up, I heard the same statements that we are hearing today regarding the imminent end of the world. It is necessary to keep Christ's return at the front of our minds. The problem is that it can also steal one's joy if they focus too much on it. Christ wants us to look for His coming, but He also wants us to appreciate the life we have here in Him. We can enjoy all the goodness around us, His wonderful Creation, time with our loved ones, and the only chance we will have to serve Him in a dark world. The problem with focusing on the "doom and gloom" is that we forget that He saved us so our joy may be full. I've already posted about the problems older pastor's have faced due to failure to plan for retirement because the Lord would come back before they reached that point. It is important that people have HOPE. Hope in a future with Christ, and hope that He will bless them on Earth. I personally can't wait to see my kids grow up. I want to see what they do with their lives. I trust that God will use them in some mighty way, if they will stay close to Him. We need enjoy what God has given us now, and not steal that hope from the next generation. Yes, we should pay attention to how bad things are and how close the return of Christ must be getting. We also need to pay attention to how much God blesses us everyday on Earth, and enjoy the time we have here without focusing only on the negative. I personally just have hope that Westley will be potty trained before Christ comes back, because I don't think there are diapers in Heaven.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Heaven
We finished up talking about Heaven this week. I know I can't wait. In all honesty, I am sick and tired of some of the problems of this world. You know how it feels when a struggle is taken away (not just defeated, but completely removed suddenly)? I think I may be floating around Heaven for a while just because of the lightened load. Everyday we are faced with things that just bog us down. Christ tells us to cast our burdens on Him, and we try to, but sometimes we just can't let go. In Heaven, Christ will TAKE them away. No casting necessary.
One of the other things that came up in my studies was being together with ALL the saints. I can't wait to be reunited with some of my friends over the years who are spread all over the world. I may never see them again on Earth, but in Heaven we will have plenty of time to catch up. I have family all over the country that will be great to not be separated from anymore in Heaven. Like I've decided I want on my gravestone, "Party At My Place!" See you there! (See John 14:1-6 for the directions)
One of the other things that came up in my studies was being together with ALL the saints. I can't wait to be reunited with some of my friends over the years who are spread all over the world. I may never see them again on Earth, but in Heaven we will have plenty of time to catch up. I have family all over the country that will be great to not be separated from anymore in Heaven. Like I've decided I want on my gravestone, "Party At My Place!" See you there! (See John 14:1-6 for the directions)
Friday, February 18, 2011
Rollin
This week has been a roller coaster. Had good services Sunday, plus got to see old friends. Most of you know we have been burdened with our house not selling. We got a call on Wednesday telling us what we needed to get in order to sell the house. An hour later we received an offer for much more than we needed. As excited as we were, the next morning started with a call telling us the heat was out at the house and the pipes were frozen. On my way there, I got in touch with several friends, and many were able to help me out with saving the house. Not happy about the $650 or so the day cost me, but very happy the house was not destroyed. More of that perspective stuff. The day got better when we found out there was another offer coming in on the house, and their might be a bit of bidding to go on. I spoke Wednesday on patience from the book of James. It is easy for us to look back at the prophets and Job and see the blessing, but they didn't get the blessing until they endured the hardship with patience and perseverance. I know I need patience, I just don't like having to learn it!
Oh, and I forgot to mention I left my sweet wife sick in bed with two kids while I was gone all day. She puts up with a lot, but she married me.
Oh, and I forgot to mention I left my sweet wife sick in bed with two kids while I was gone all day. She puts up with a lot, but she married me.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
There's No Optimism and There's Snow Optimism
Outlook has a lot to do with life. I could spend all day explaining the background for this, but to shorten things I'll say this... I had to drive the truck which is horrible in snow out to Word Of Life yesterday to help take some teens out there, Jess can't drive it because the seat doesn't move so I left her the car.
We arrived early, the teens had to wait a little while before they could check in. I figured I'd head back early to beat the night and snow storm that was hitting home. I left and headed back earlier than I had planned. I got past Speculator just in time to hit a whiteout and lots of ice on Rt. 8. The truck was not doing great, and I was doing 25-30 mph instead of 55. The truck lost traction going up a hill and promptly shot across the road into a snow bank. I tried backing up in 4x4, but that was definitely not happening. I forgot to mention I had left my coat and gloves at the church, so I was really prepared for a cold night in the mountains outside the truck. Of coarse there was no cell coverage, so I got out of the passenger side of the truck (the driver's door was barricaded in snow) and began to walk up the hill. After a while a pick-up came by and I waved them down, they were not fully with it, but were willing to drive me to where I could call AAA. After about 15 miles, I realized that people didn't believe cellphones were necessary up in the mountains. As we passed one of the other wrecks along the side of the road, we stopped and asked a wrecker if he did AAA, he did and offered to take me to town (another 15 miles in the wrong direction). Along the way, we passed another wrecker going back up 8, and I transferred over to his truck. After about 30 minutes, we were back at my truck, which had been plowed over during my 2 hour trek. He was able to pull it right out after sliding down the hill trying to stop, and I followed him to Remsen where I could phone AAA and get on with my day. I was cold.
I called Jess, who was obviously worried because I was 2 hours late, and finished my trip home. Looking back I realized how wonderful of a day I had experienced. Had we not left the church so early, our caravan full of teens would have been hit by the storm I ran into. Had I not headed back so early, I would have not met the guys in the truck that gave me the ride (I only saw one other vehicle during the next hour). Had they not picked me up, I would have missed the wrecker (it was just finished with loading up from the accident and heading back). Had they not worked with AAA I would have been poor. Had I been going over about 25 mph, the truck would have been in the forest, not the snow bank (making a tow much more difficult). Needless to say, though it was rough, God continually took care of everything. The youth were there on time, my toes have regained feeling, and I didn't have to sleep in the Blazer (forcing Carl to preach on Sunday morning :-) ). Sure, I could be a pessimist and look at all that went wrong, but it is much more productive to appreciate God's help and protection throughout the entire day. Perspective is more valuable in life than happiness.
We arrived early, the teens had to wait a little while before they could check in. I figured I'd head back early to beat the night and snow storm that was hitting home. I left and headed back earlier than I had planned. I got past Speculator just in time to hit a whiteout and lots of ice on Rt. 8. The truck was not doing great, and I was doing 25-30 mph instead of 55. The truck lost traction going up a hill and promptly shot across the road into a snow bank. I tried backing up in 4x4, but that was definitely not happening. I forgot to mention I had left my coat and gloves at the church, so I was really prepared for a cold night in the mountains outside the truck. Of coarse there was no cell coverage, so I got out of the passenger side of the truck (the driver's door was barricaded in snow) and began to walk up the hill. After a while a pick-up came by and I waved them down, they were not fully with it, but were willing to drive me to where I could call AAA. After about 15 miles, I realized that people didn't believe cellphones were necessary up in the mountains. As we passed one of the other wrecks along the side of the road, we stopped and asked a wrecker if he did AAA, he did and offered to take me to town (another 15 miles in the wrong direction). Along the way, we passed another wrecker going back up 8, and I transferred over to his truck. After about 30 minutes, we were back at my truck, which had been plowed over during my 2 hour trek. He was able to pull it right out after sliding down the hill trying to stop, and I followed him to Remsen where I could phone AAA and get on with my day. I was cold.
I called Jess, who was obviously worried because I was 2 hours late, and finished my trip home. Looking back I realized how wonderful of a day I had experienced. Had we not left the church so early, our caravan full of teens would have been hit by the storm I ran into. Had I not headed back so early, I would have not met the guys in the truck that gave me the ride (I only saw one other vehicle during the next hour). Had they not picked me up, I would have missed the wrecker (it was just finished with loading up from the accident and heading back). Had they not worked with AAA I would have been poor. Had I been going over about 25 mph, the truck would have been in the forest, not the snow bank (making a tow much more difficult). Needless to say, though it was rough, God continually took care of everything. The youth were there on time, my toes have regained feeling, and I didn't have to sleep in the Blazer (forcing Carl to preach on Sunday morning :-) ). Sure, I could be a pessimist and look at all that went wrong, but it is much more productive to appreciate God's help and protection throughout the entire day. Perspective is more valuable in life than happiness.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Aged wisdom
I spent most of my day with our local director of missions. One thing I've learned as I've grown older is that I should pay more attention to the wisdom of those who are still older than me. There is so much we can glean by simply listening and learning. I often wish I could have spent time really talking to my grandfather. He passed away when I was around 12 or so. I didn't know how much I could have learned from him until I was in my twenties. Luckily, there are still plenty of people who have experienced so much more than me. It would be idiotic of me now to not take advantage of the wealth of knowledge they possess. Why should I have to learn from the same mistakes that others learned from long ago? Maybe humility grows along with wisdom as we grow older. Maybe I just keep realizing how much wisdom I really lack. Hopefully that is the key to gaining wisdom, simply realizing you lack it in the first place.
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