Being Let Down, In A Good Way.
Thursday/September/04:41 PM 04:41 Filed in:
Work
Inside, I had a disappointment that was hard to ignore. My buddy Chip came and gave me a boistrous hug after the program and enthusiastically said, "Hudzy, good program." I just wanted to say, "Are you kidding? Did you see how many empty seats there were?" But I know all the right answers. In fact, as you read this, you're thinking them right now. I know, I know. But it's hard to deny that feeling inside that screams for attention. I wish there were more.
As I think about, and have been all day, that is the sign of a good thing. To dwell on the lack of numbers for long isn't, I don't think, God honoring. But eventually, we need to come to th econclusion, and I have, that God is doing all that he needs to do and he's not worried. Just the right amount of people were there who needed to be. It was, a success. is work was being accomplished. but when Jesus wept over Jerusalem, it wasn't because he was worried about whether or not God was accomplishing all that he had sent him there to do. He wept because of the inescapable feeling inside of deep regret and grief that more of his children didn't want or didn't care to see their messiah. They missed their chance with God and that, grieves Jesus' heart. As it should.
Hoping for a full house, expecting a full house, and wanting thousands to hear is what a child should want. But when unmet expectations come, the child should also be thankful and d rest knowing as long as he was faithful, the Lord was honored and he did what he wanted to do.
Still, the feeling of joy doesn't come quickly. It only comes when you remember, "Ah yes, the Lord is in control. He's pleased and he does what he pleases."
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The Handwritten Note
Sunday/September/09:12 AM 09:12 Filed in:
Personal
The
handwritten note is a rare breed these days. In a
world of email, text messaging, instant
messenger(they're different, trust me) and cell
phones which provide instant access to almost anyone,
a note, written with pen and ink is worth keeping.
Aunt Betty sent us a note the other day. Written on a
small card no doubt chosen from amongst her many
small cards purposed for encouraging or saying hello
to various family members, her aged hands
communicated what no email or phone call could convey
better. Love and thoughtfulness.
Every so often she'll send us a note catching up on what she's doing and letting us know we're in her prayers. Sometimes short written notes are just the thing needed for a long time of encouragement.
Write a note to someone. All the greats wrote voraciously. Adams, Truman, Washington, Lincoln, Jenkins. It's a habit I think I'll start but know it'll take me a lifetime to master.
Every so often she'll send us a note catching up on what she's doing and letting us know we're in her prayers. Sometimes short written notes are just the thing needed for a long time of encouragement.
Write a note to someone. All the greats wrote voraciously. Adams, Truman, Washington, Lincoln, Jenkins. It's a habit I think I'll start but know it'll take me a lifetime to master.
