April 2009

03.30.2009

ne Parson’s Opinion


How about this weather?  Where did winter go?  Old-timers around here keep telling me winter is coming!  But they are running out of time for normal winter weather.  Spring has sprung, according to the calendar. 

Have you been surprised by the weather?  Now, I must confess, it has been a good surprise!  I know, I know, we need the moisture, but I sure like the kind that falls as rain and not as snow!

The weather, in its unpredictability, is like life.  Let me give one illustration of how unpredictable life can be: The downturn in the economy was a development that was unexpected by the masses (I am one of the masses! My expectation is that my retirement is now “eons” away and I shall still be preaching at 137 and using a walker to move around in the pulpit.).  But, I would imagine, the downturn in the economy is just “one” of the unexpected turns you have experienced of late.

Now, it is a surprise to me why we are surprised by the surprises in life.  (Notice I included myself in the lot!)  Why can’t we learn? Surprises really are the norm in life.   For me, being slow in getting this simple truism, I blame potty training!  You probably have a different excuse!

Folks, we are not promised tomorrow, and that includes the plans we make regarding tomorrow.  All we have is today.  So, my suggestion to you is to make it your business to enjoy this day. The Lord has made today in all its glory for you.

Also, don’t be surprised by the surprises of life.  Sometimes the surprises are good; sometimes they are not good.  An example of a good surprise is the one that happened about 2000 years ago in Israel.  You know the one I mean; the one where a dead man got up and walked.  Jesus said after three days that He would, and He did, but no one took Him seriously.  That surprise, though, guaranteed that all of Jesus’ followers would live forever. We celebrate that surprise this month. (By the way, I hope you can join us for Holy Week services!)

Life is filled with surprises, some good and some not so good.  Don’t be surprised by the surprises! The Lord said to tell you to stay loose!

See you on the Lord’s Day,
Jim

Posted by arbc at 07:23 AM