A brief reflection, a broader vision

2010 has been an eventful year; January started a declaration of remission of my leukemia, followed by two months of respiratory infections! So much for better health through remission!

Like all of us I had my share of ups and downs, although it seemed like this year had a few more downs than I would have liked. I face this coming new year with hope and optimism. I often deflect by using humor and use negative circumstances as a prop for laughs, but the reality is, I am an optimist. I believe tomorrow can be better than today, that next year can be better than last year.

I live in a nation with unlimited opportunities, where a person is truly limited only by the ceilings they themselves build in their mind and their life. I am guilty of not counting nor treasuring the many blessings I have been given, so if I were to make a New Year’s resolution, it would be to savor the moments am given, to stop dwelling on what might have been and what will never be.

The apostle Paul wrote: “I have learned the secret of being content in all circumstances”; I knew that truth once, not that long ago and I let it slip away and that is my responsibility, no one else’s. So I have goals for 2011 and beyond and I have a vision for my life, but my resolution is simple, to be at peace with where God has me, to be satisfied in Him and to be content, regardless of my circumstances.

God bless you and may 2011 be your year best ever.

Discovery & Change

I picked up my Bible this morning; yes the leather one, rice paper, gold gilded edges. As much as I love my Kindle, there is nothing quite like the touch and feel of a book in one’s hands. I thought about two things, one is those first books in the people’s hands, how a whole world opened up before them. Second, I thought about the revelation and discovery of God’s Word, His ultimate truth and the liberty we can enjoy resting in Him. Yet there are so many who have rejected this truth out of fear and ignorance; still others because it upsets their precious apple cart and threatens to turn their world upside down.

We dislike many things in our human condition, not the least of which is change.

The song 2112 by the Canadian trio Rush speaks of a great discovery and how that discovery from a past age is rejected.

What can this strange device be?
When I touch it, it gives forth a sound
It's got wires that vibrate and give music
What can this thing be that I found?

See how it sings like a sad heart
And joyously screams out it's pain
Sounds that build high like a mountain
Or notes that fall gently like rain

After being rebuffed by the elders, those "in the know", our hero despairs:

The sleep is still in my eyes
The dream is still in my head
I heave a sigh and sadly smile
And lie a while in bed
I wish that it might come to pass
Not fade like all my dreams

Just think of what my life might be
In a world like I have seen
I don't think I can carry on
Carry on this cold and empty life
Oh...noo!

We too have a great discovery from a past age, yet as current and relevant as ever; God’s Word and His promises to us, His beloved. Let’s not let our fear of change, or the pain of transformation keep us from embracing this greatest of gifts.