reunited--at last

He was one of the funniest and most charming people I have ever met. And it wasn’t just me—everybody seemed to love him and thought of him as the life of the party.

Yet, being good friends, he confided in me several times how desperately unhappy he really was. More than once he said that was the reason he was always cracking jokes and being a clown of sorts: He was covering up how sad he felt inside.

Specifically, if he didn’t laugh, he’d cry. So he aggressively pursued the former so he wouldn’t experience the latter.

His sadness ended when he died some years ago, joining his beloved wife who had died many years prior. You see, the reason he was so unhappy all the time was because he missed the love of his life.

The woman who had captured his heart and soul and never let go. His best friend. His companion. His…everything. Once she was gone, he was never complete again. Not even close.

I’ve thought of my friend many times recently and what it must have been like for him all those years. Day after day, week after week, year after year, and decade after decade of unrelenting pain and sorrow.

The thought of his pain grieves me to the very bone. How did he make it all that time? What was it like to spend virtually every waking moment thinking of the woman of his dreams, the one—and only—person who could make him happy and fulfilled?

Why do I bring all of this up? Because I’m in awe of my friend’s perseverance. And while I miss him dearly, I’m so glad he was finally reunited with the woman who had so captured his heart.

While I certainly don’t want to diminish the excitement and joy of seeing his Lord and Savior in person, I can’t help wondering what their reunion was like.

Did she run and jump into his arms? Have they ever stopped hugging? Have they ever stopped smiling? Have they ever stopped praising God?

What was it like to finally—finally—be reunited with the love of his life?

I wonder.

“May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance.”1

1  2 Thessalonians 3:5

regrets

Have you ever wanted a do-over? You know, a second chance to get it right?

Me too.

Who among us hasn’t missed a deadline, said or done the wrong thing in a relationship, blew a key moment in a sports activity, or forgot to study for a big test?

Who among us doesn’t wish we had said something, wish we hadn’t said something, or wish we had said something different?

Who among us doesn’t wish we had done something, wish we hadn’t done something, or wish we had done something different?

I’ve been reflecting a lot on a monumental mistake in my life from many years ago that, had I handled it differently, would have dramatically altered the course of my life.

Unfortunately, deep regrets and pleadings with God do not a do-over make. History is history.

The cold hard truth is that in real life there are very few do-overs. While the boss may extend the deadline, we may get another at-bat, and the teacher may reschedule the test, most of the time we only get one shot at it.

Which makes it so important to get it right the first time around.

While our temptation might be to focus on lamenting blown opportunities from our past, doing so will not change the facts. Not one iota. Believe me, I’ve tried.

So what do we do?

Seems to me there are three options:

1.      Beat yourself up until you’re black and blue (this is where I am).

2.      Try and correct and/or help the situation (obviously not possible in many instances).

3.      Shrug it off since you can’t change the past.

So, where are you sitting? If you’re on one, like me, well, it’s not a great place to be, is it? Not very productive either. Would advise you to move on to two or three. (In other words, do as I say, not as I do.)

I know, I know, a divine do-over would solve all our problems. But, alas, it’s probably not going to happen.

What happened, happened.

What didn’t happen, didn’t happen.

History is history.

Deal with it (that means you, Chris).

“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,
I press on toward the goal.”1

1  Philippians 3:13-14

squirrel!

I looked up to see it on a branch just above my head. We stared at one another for the longest time, but the squirrel finally decided to move on and brushed some snow into my face.

I laughed until it happened again and again and again. Each time it happened the squirrel would re-position itself on a new branch, look down to see me still staring at it, and then brush some snow my way.

Maybe I’m crazy, but I think it did it on purpose. I kept watching as it crawled up the side of the tree and then it occurred to me: Hey, if this thing’s smart enough to brush snow on me, maybe it’s smart enough to, well, you know, drop something else on me. All I could see was its backside. So I quickly backed away from the tree and moved on.

A short walk down the path I came across several other squirrels playing in a big tree. And, once again, found myself in a staring contest. This time, though, we were just a few feet apart and literally eye-to-eye.

"Squirrel!"

It looked so cute staring back at me, that is until I sensed it was going to leap onto my face. Ever seen the squirrel scene in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation? If so, you know the kind of fear I’m talking about.

At that moment I changed my mind about squirrels: They aren’t cute, they’re disease-ridden rats with fluffy tails.

What’s the point of all this squirrel stuff?  Just this: I enjoyed my walk in the park today. That’s a big deal because it’s been a long time since I’ve enjoyed myself so much.

The wind was cold but still welcome, and the snow deep but really beautiful. For the first time in weeks I appreciated every little thing nature could offer. And yes, even the human-hating squirrels.

The Lord knew I was yearning to enjoy the simple things in life, and He came through in a big way.

What about you? Are you enjoying the simple things in life or is stress, depression and discouragement controlling your mood?

As I’ve discovered firsthand, sometimes there’s not much we can do to improve our situations. We can pray and try our best to improve our lot, but sometimes things just have to run their course. It stinks, but welcome to life here on earth.

If that describes you, I pray the Lord gives you the grace to ride out the storm.

On the other hand, sometimes we just need to slow down and make a more concerted effort to squeeze the joy out of our circumstances.

Have you tried that? Have you stopped to meditate on your blessings? Have you tried breaking out of your routine? Have you tried doing things that typically bring you joy?

Maybe, just maybe, the Lord will give you the same gift that He gave me today: The gift of enjoying the simple and routine things in life. The gift of joy.

“Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him-for this is his lot. Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work-this is a gift of God. He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart.”1

Heavenly Father, I pray that you give the gift of joy and satisfaction to those who read this blog entry. Please enable them to accept their lot in life and be happy in their work. Show us your glory by occupying them with gladness of heart all the days of their lives.

I pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.

1  Ecclesiastes 5:18-20

poor at helping the poor

This week I’ve had two doctor appointments and a dental appointment. I’ve also eaten quite well. Oh, and I’ve slept in a nice warm bed each and every night.

On the other hand, I’ve talked with people this week who have significant health problems but can’t afford to go to a doctor. I’ve also talked with several persons who have little or nothing to eat and rely heavily on food pantries and handouts. And then there are those who sleep on hardwood floors in a roach-infested apartment.

Is this really America? Is this really the land of opportunity? Is this really the good life here in the United States?

Who needs to go overseas to help people in poverty? It’s right here in our own backyard.

I wonder, however, whether we—that is, the church—really notice. More than that, I wonder if we really care.

Oh sure, we talk a good game and preach convicting sermons on helping the poor and downtrodden, but do we actually do anything to help? Really help? Or is it all lip service?

I’ve ashamed to say that in my case it’s been mostly lip service, at least until recently. I’m not sure why, but for some reason the Lord has opened my eyes to just how desperate people are in my community and this country.

·         I dare you to open your eyes and see the people who don’t have enough food to eat.

·         I dare you to open your eyes and see the people who are living in utterly miserable surroundings.

·         I dare you to open your eyes and see the people who are ill but can’t afford to go to a doctor.

Where are they? I’m convinced they’re all around us, but we tend to overlook them or ignore them. In some cases they work with us, commute with us, eat with us and play with us.

Sometimes they’re obvious, but sometimes they blend in, too embarrassed to admit they’re struggling.

To my shame, I’ve become an expert at overlooking them or ignoring them. Maybe you have too. But it’s never too late to make a difference, and that’s why I intend to personally do a better job in this area.

What about you?

“If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered.”1

“The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.”2

I dare you to open your eyes to the needs of people. I double dare you.

1  Proverbs 21:13

2  Proverbs 29:7

get in line, chris

My heart is heavy today for so many people.

Death, illness, relationship problems and financial struggles have put a damper on my day. There are so many people who are hurting in my world that it makes me hurt as well.

I find it ironic—and a bit pathetic—that I started the day feeling sorry for myself. Yet my problems now seem insignificant in comparison. Which reminds me of a lesson I learned many years ago and must continuously re-learn: There is almost always someone who is worse off than me.

Does that make me feel better? No. But it does help put things in perspective.

What about you? What’s bugging you today? Why are you down in the dumps?

My hunch is it hurts. A lot. And for that I’m sorry. Very sorry.

Yet—and please don’t curse my name or throw something heavy in my direction—is it possible there are others who are struggling more? In more pain? In worst circumstances?

That doesn’t diminish what you’re going through, no way. What you’re experiencing right now no doubt stinks and that’s a nice way of putting it. I get it. Things are hard and you’re at the end of your rope.

But as I was reminded so vividly today, I’m not the only one who’s hurting. In fact, as I think about the problems of so many people that I know, my problems don't seem so bad.

In fact, even though I’m not feeling so hot right now (that’s putting it mildly), somebody needs my help so I have to get going.

I’m not glad that others have problems, but I am glad for the opportunity to help. And to get my mind off my own problems.

Lest you think I’m some kind of spiritual giant or super Christian, think again. I’m just a regular guy who had to re-learn a lesson yet again. Will I ever learn that there are others who are in worse pain than me?

Probably not. Tomorrow I’ll no doubt be right back at it, obsessing on my many problems at the neglect of others.

But for today, right now, I’ve got to go. Somebody needs me.

                                                                                                           

worth fighting for

I had to right a wrong today on my part, so I called someone and asked a very pertinent question: “Do you still care for so and so?

"Yes.”

Then I asked a follow-up question: “And does so and so still care for you?”

"Yes.”

Then I stopped asking questions and said this: “Then I suggest you fight to keep the relationship going—it’s too valuable to give up on it.”

Why did I do that? Because my previous advice had danced around the topic of whether there were still any feelings for the other person. As a result, the dissolution of their relationship (not a marriage) seemed to be a foregone conclusion and we focused primarily on how to move on.

Today, however, I’ve done a 180. Relationships are too valuable to give up on them. If we care about someone else—I mean, really care—then we have to keep trying to maintain it.

We have to.

Am I naïve? Maybe. But life’s too short to just walk away from someone you care about without giving the thing one last try.

Are there problems and challenges in the situation above? Yes. Are they insurmountable? Maybe. But I believe they need to keep trying, at least one more time. So I made the call and cleared my conscience.

In fact, I feel so strongly about this I truly wish we were in the same room right now so you could see and hear the urgency in my face and voice. As it is, I’ll have to shout it from the rooftops.

Do you care for someone? Really care for someone? Then why in the world would you want to give that up? Why in the world would you not do everything in your power to keep it going?

Will your efforts succeed? Maybe. Maybe not. But at least you tried. At least you tried to salvage one of life’s most precious gifts: A special bond between two people.

Trust me, that kind of bond doesn’t come along very often. At least it doesn't for me.

So, how does all of this apply to you? Frankly, there may be no application for you whatsoever. But hey, I just couldn’t wait to share this new insight with someone, one that's changed how I look at things.

That said, I’ll let you get back to whatever you were doing before I got on my soapbox. Besides, I’ve got some more phone calls to make—have to ask some people a few questions…

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”1

1  1 Corinthians 13:4

wanted: people to be used by god

He walked in not knowing what he would find, but certain God had led him here.

You see, after much prayer the night before the Lord had impressed upon him to go to the church up the street, the church where I’m a pastor. Despite being disabled, not having a car, and braving a cold winter wind, he walked several blocks this morning to see and hear what God wanted him to see and hear.

All he knew was that he needed something for the heart. That’s what God had communicated to him through Scripture and prayer: Go to that church to hear something about the heart.

So, guess what the title of my sermon was today? “Guard your heart.”

Hearing his story after the service brought tears to my eyes, knowing, like him, that the Lord had led him to this church to hear this particular sermon.

I wish I could share the rest of his story with you, but it’s too personal, too tragic and too fresh. Besides, I don’t want to betray my new friend’s confidence. Suffice to say he was a broken man who needed what he received: A Scriptural message, someone to listen to his heart-breaking story, and someone to pray with him.

Why do I share this story with you? For two reasons: First of all, to remind us that God is real, actively involved in people’s lives and loves us.

If you think God is oblivious to your circumstances, think again. He’s not only aware but is actively helping you, sometimes behind the scenes and sometimes in more obvious ways, such as what happened with this man.

I also wanted to share this story to remind us that God can use anybody, and I do mean anybody. Those of you who really know me are painfully aware that I’m a complete idiot, a knucklehead of the worst kind, and a first-class sinner.

And yet, the Lord decided to steer a desperately depressed and broken-hearted man my way. What in the world was He thinking?

Because I’m such an idiot, and because what God did this morning is an undeniable fact, I’ve concluded the Creator of the universe can apparently use anyone who 1) has a pulse, 2) loves His Son Jesus, and 3) makes himself or herself available.

If you’re like me, meeting the first two criteria is relatively easy, but the last one, well, that’s a lot harder. Am I right? And yet, if the Lord can use a knucklehead like me, imagine what He can do with you?!

So, what’s the point of all this? Be amazed, be inspired, and be encouraged, but most of all be available.

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’"1

1  Isaiah 6:8