Recently a grandson said. “But we’re happy Poppa and that’s what’s important” or “that’s what counts”, or words to that effect. I didn’t respond or comment at the time, because I really didn’t know what to say, but in reflection, I wish I had said, “No son, that’s not what’s important”.
Ecclesiastes teaches us that there is a time to be happy, but it’s not all the time. Chapter 3:1-8 says; “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to pluck that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; A time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; A time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; A time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; A time of war, and a time of peace.”
One time, or season, is often dependent upon another; except there be a time of plowing and planting, there can be no time of harvesting and eating. One season may be more fun than the other, but success and true happiness comes from learning to be content during both seasons.
I Timothy 5:8 say’s if any man provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. Then, (6:6) say’s godliness with contentment is great gain. I think contentment is more to be sought than happiness, but will be elusive if there are unmet responsibilities.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
Do Over
Some of our fondest child-hood memories involve do-over’s. A do-over would serve as judge or arbitrator in the resolution of disputes in games, compensate for slip-ups, cool tempers, continue a game, preserve friendships and make everybody feel better. Sometimes our worse mistakes could be undone with a simple do-over. Wouldn’t it be great if we could use do-over’s in our lives today?
How often have we regretted something we did, or said, or thought? How many times have we needed to apologize for thoughtless comments or acts? How many times have we wished we could have a do-over?
The good news is that every day can be a do-over. The Prophet Jeremiah says, “This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:21-23)
This tells me that the Lord’s mercies and compassions are new every morning; they give me a do-over every day; a new heart and a fresh start. It matters not what I did, said or thought yesterday that displeased the Lord; if I confess my sins, He is faithful and just to forgive my sins and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. He will not remember yesterday’s sins; not because He can’t; but because He chooses not to remember them.
He expects us to do the same for others, “love one another”; no building on yesterday’s disagreements; no bringing up past problems; no re-hashing of bad memories; forgetting prior hurt feeling; because we choose not to remember them; every day’s a do-over.
And forgive us our sins as we forgive those who trespass against us………
How often have we regretted something we did, or said, or thought? How many times have we needed to apologize for thoughtless comments or acts? How many times have we wished we could have a do-over?
The good news is that every day can be a do-over. The Prophet Jeremiah says, “This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:21-23)
This tells me that the Lord’s mercies and compassions are new every morning; they give me a do-over every day; a new heart and a fresh start. It matters not what I did, said or thought yesterday that displeased the Lord; if I confess my sins, He is faithful and just to forgive my sins and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. He will not remember yesterday’s sins; not because He can’t; but because He chooses not to remember them.
He expects us to do the same for others, “love one another”; no building on yesterday’s disagreements; no bringing up past problems; no re-hashing of bad memories; forgetting prior hurt feeling; because we choose not to remember them; every day’s a do-over.
And forgive us our sins as we forgive those who trespass against us………
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