It is my belief that we really don’t relish the good times enough. I think we can safely say that we all have enough bad times in our lives. This world can be a cruel place and we live in a temporary body that starts to wear out from the moment we are born. And for all of us right now there is a sense of an economic cloud that hangs over everything. Most of us knew someone who “lived through the depression,” and that phrase brings with it an expectation that everyone who lived through that era was changed by it. Don’t get me wrong; I don’t think we are experiencing anything like that, but there is a cloud. I don’t talk with very many people without “the economy” coming up in a conversation. And all of us have things that aren’t going right in our lives, and we tend to dwell on those things instead of the good stuff. Why do we do that?
Jesus said, ‘So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (matt 6:31)
I was privileged to be a part of two monumental events yesterday. For one, I was able to witness the wedding of Laura Beil and Mike Lorenz. If you see the picture from my mid week blog, I can imagine that Laura Beil is probably sitting right across from three year old Rachel in that picture from 1990. She would have been four. That’s how long I’ve known her and her family (Rich is one of our Pastoral Care pastor’s now). I watched her grow up, she played at my house, and we’ve done almost every Easter dinner together (as well as many other life sharing events) for the past 19 years. It was a fun wedding and party. (I was not excited about my 19 year old daughter catching the bouquet, let me specify that i like OTHER PEOPLE'S weddings. But it was deflected to her by Sierra Purvis, so I think it was really meant for her)
Anyway, I want to relish it. Yes, there are problems in the world, but Laura Beil got married! To a great guy, no less! It seems like people of old knew how to celebrate stuff better than we do. A wedding was the biggest thing in the world. The parties went on for days. Jesus first miracle was at one. It’s just so special. It’s a life moment that should be more than just another night at a banquet hall. Congrats Mike and Laura!
The other moment yesterday was for my friend Sean Clarey, who was golfing in the group behind me, got a hole in one! If you aren’t a golfer, you don’t get this, but I’ve never had one, and most players go their whole lives without it happening. It’s a big deal. Golf is this frustrating game that's goal is something that most people never achieve. Think about it. Par is not the goal, it’s the average. “IN” is the goal. Way to go Sean. Maybe someday…
I don’t really know what I’m saying except that we need to enjoy the life we’ve been given.
Sometimes you just need to go back and read Ecclesiastes…
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. 13 That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God. 14 I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him. (Ecc 3)
Enjoy your day – rain or not.
That’s an order.
Tim
Way to go Becca! but we know she's a nun :)
CONGRATULATIONS MIKE and LAURA! and to the proud Papa's and Mama's.
EVERYTHING is beautiful in it's time...even rain :)
A Good Day to All!
Posted by: Paula | June 13, 2009 at 10:25 AM
::unbelievable:: hole in one... i went golfing yesterday and have decided i am done for the remainder of the year... so i understand the joy of A HOLE IN ONE.... WOW
Posted by: ihatechurch | June 13, 2009 at 12:15 PM
you're right PT. We do seem to dwell on the bad things that go on in our lives. Crazy when there is so much good stuff that we don't notice or are numb to. Why is that indeed?
Posted by: James1:1 | June 13, 2009 at 02:24 PM
Hey, I just had to comment on your James sermons as a whole and on this last one in particular on the tongue being the vocalization of the heart (the word 'spewing' comes to mind :). Thanks for this powerful message that was so faithful to James! It is evident that it is Divinely inspired and so desperately needed. We can only hope to do any and all of it In CHRIST. I can't wait for Father's Day, when you are always dangerous for the Gospel :) God Bless you and Keep you!
Posted by: Been There and Glad! | June 14, 2009 at 07:15 PM
What a blessing that PT has been to the OTT family...We pray that our father in heaven continues to bless n keep him during his time away...Come home soon we all miss u
Posted by: mark ott | July 20, 2009 at 05:07 PM