Change is unavoidable. Sometimes it's a change from within, sometimes it's an external change. Whatever the means, it is still change. When one feels that they are where they are going to be for the remainder of their life, another plan sometimes emerges from places never conceived. As adults we pride ourselves on planning our lives through education, family planning, whether to marry or remain single, or where to live. I suppose that is why it is difficult when a situation arises that may send you North instead of South; East as opposed to West.
You desire to work in a particular job forever and retire but there comes a sudden change. You marry and have certain expectations and that dream falls short. You desire that your children excel in school and attend a college where they blossom and attain a standard of living that exceeds anything you have ever acquired, but they go in a totally different direction. The list goes on and on.
This morning my thoughts are of King David, (in the Bible). David was a man called by God at a very young age. Even he believed that his older brothers were "better fitted" for the tasks that God had called him to do but he was obedient and followed God. But I don't want to relegate this writing to a sermon. I want to fast-forward through King David's life of accomplishments and focus on him during his trying times; such as when King Saul was out to kill him out of sheer jealously, his adultery with the married Bathsheba and his order to have her husband killed. The death of his child and feeling alone and abandoned, (even by his God), on several occasions.
If we were to only focus on King David's achievements we would conclude that he was totally blessed and above reproach. But as for me, I find more of a kinship with him when I read of his faults and mistakes and of his falling short of the mark. Why? Because that is what life actually brings to us. Disappointments in ourselves, in other people, in the organization we work in and in our government.
Just this morning I read a post from a good friend which stated that we should never say we are sick of church; but rather say that we are sick of organized religion. I understood this immediately. Church is of God whereby organized religion is of man. When I learned the difference between the two many yeas ago I was able to keep a smile on my face and a song in my heart even when my character, my feelings, my accomplishments and my manhood was being grievously attacked from the outside; even when I was the one who was in error.
Yes, I have made many mistakes. I have fallen short during my life and will most likely fall short again several times before I die. I believe one of the greatest lessons I have learned this year is not to beat yourself up when you fall short or do not fulfill a commitment.
My dear friends, we all have sinned and fall short of God's expectations of us. So smile. Smile that no other is in control of your soul but God. Smile because you have lived another day to be a better person than you were yesterday. Smile because you are making a difference in someone's life by simply posting a thought or an encouraging word on Facebook. And believe me when I say that God notices every seemingly insignificant act you do towards others; especially strangers.
I'm going out to do some things around town and I will reflect and meditate on good things and good people as I do. Don't stay down!
I love you all,
Dennis
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