As some of you know, I turned 50-years-old on Thursday. In many respects,
it doesn’t seem possible that I am that old. On the other hand, I’ve
experienced a lifetime of blessings in the years that I have been alive. When
I “took stock” of my life up to this point, I was overwhelmed with gratitude for God’s care and guidance. When I have messed up or failed, I was able to rebound and move on. When I have been outright stupid or rebellious, God helped me to avoid disasters and traumatic consequences. When I have faced the death of loved ones and my own health issues, the “peace
that surpasses our human understanding” has provided strength and comfort.
Just to “hammer home” the point of a blessed life, however, a brief conversation at my Rotary meeting enlightened
me again. Aminta Montanez (whose name I love to say because it just floats from
your mouth….similar to Ricardo Montalban) sat down next to me, and I asked her, “How was life?” She replied, “Life is good; it’s always good. Life is what you make it.” I nodded
in agreement, and made a remark about being blessed. Aminta continued, “Life
will pretty much treat you well if you sow good seeds…you know you reap what you sow.”
When I got
back to the office, I once again read the familiar scripture from Galatians, and I clearly heard God’s “marching
orders” for the next 50 years or so:
“Do not be deceived; God will not be mocked, for you reap whatever you sow.
If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh;
but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit. So
let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the goof of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.”
Sometimes
I have to be nudged (or maybe punted) by God to remember my focus for life and ministry.
When that happens, I can always count on God to supply a timely reminder…if I am paying attention.
Blessings to you,
Pastor Roger
PS:
Colossians 3:17 is my “life verse” , but that passage fro Galatians 6: 7-10 has always been a “close second”
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