If I Could Not Do It All Over Again....

Regret is an evil stepchild. It lingers in the back of the mind, tugging at yesterday, holding back tomorrow. It doesn’t want you to be happy, and reminds you of what could have been without offering any hope for what will be. Let me say off the bat, I have no regrets, but if I could do it all over again I would:

1. Have learned to dance. I took Rebecca to a two hour, private ballroom dance lesson. We danced once after that, and no, it’s not because I think dancing is evil.
2. Have learned to fly. I have several reoccurring dreams and the most exillerating is the one where I lean as far forward as I can until my feet move so fast that I take off, aided with flapping arms. Once in the air I can soar as free as a bird. These is something about flying that sets you free.
3. Have traveled before ministry and kids. We were so serious to change the world, that we missed opportunities just to see the world and spend time together. 

That’s a short list, because, when I think about it, God has blessed me with the most wonderful wife ever, three amazing boys, three even more amazing daughter-in-laws, and three beautiful (amazing) grandchildren. I have the privilege of knowing Abrar and calling her my daughter (A foreign exchange student). I have enjoyed the warm, soft nuzzle of a horse, and the wet cold noes of some crazy dogs. I have traveled to Greece, Turkey, Jordan, Mexico, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and Bahrain. I have been to most of the States in the Union. I have scuba dived with sharks, jumped out of airplanes, rode motorcycles too fast (crashed twice), backpacked in mountains and deserts, and rode a train across the country. 

I have walked in the rain, holding the hand of my sweetheart, and kissed her under a full moon. I have argued with her, and been infuriated, only to know the sweetness of reconciliation. She brings the best out of me, and helps me navigate the darker side of my soul.

I have held a newborn in my arms, and the hand of the elderly passing from this life. I have experienced the joy of new life and the sorrow of death too soon. I have known the hungry and abandoned, and I have seen, but never known, despair. No, I have no regrets, and I wouldn’t have done it differently. Our past shapes us, develops our characteristics, and what made me, me early on in life, is what God used to bring me to where I am, and I am blessed. I’m just saying....

Gratitude Schmatitude — What’s The Big Deal

Ever since I was a little kid, my mom would remind me, “Paul, say please and thank you.” I can understand the please, it’s a requisite to getting something. But the “thank you” part seems unnecessary. Why should I say thank you for someone doing their job, for a mother’s love, or for a polite gesture from a complete stranger, for that matter. I didn’t ask them to open the door. I mean, if they did it for the response, then where is the ultruism in the act? It’s not that I think I am entitled to the goodness of others, it’s just that the goodness should be displayed regardless of a thank you. 

My mother complained to me one time that my brother didn’t appreciate all that she had done for him. “If only he would say thank you. Is that too much to ask?” I told here if his ingratitude bothered her so much, then maybe she should stop giving to him, or doing so much for him. It’s much easier to complain about others ingratitude than to own up to the fact that it is the comments of appreciation that are coveted. 

Gratitude is an expression of appreciation for an act of kindness shown by someone else. The greater the act of kindness the greater the expression of gratitude. Gratuity that we pay at restaurants is a prime example. Often the reciept will give suggested options (I’ve never seen one under ten percent). The greater the service, kindness, and promptness impacts the rate of which I pay in gratitude. It’s the same way in life, and in our spiritual lives as well.

Maybe that’s why the Bible talks a lot about Gratitude. Imagine standing at your window, watching the snow blow gently across your lawn. How marvelous to know that it wasn’t a mistake, that God works all things together for good. Each morning is a gift for which we should express gratitude. Each breath is a gift for which we should give thanks. When all the mornings and all the breaths are taken away, may our hearts take flight for the greatest of loves, and our tongue confess gratitude for His glory above.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit”1 Thess. 5:16b-19.

Gratitude is God’s will. Gratitude opens the door for the Spirit to work. Gratitude is on-going and in EVERY situation. Gratitude is the borromotor of our spiritual health. So today I would like to express my gratitude:

1. For the saving love of Jesus, and the life giving Spirit that dwells in me.
2. For my wife, who is the living example of Christ’s love in my life.
3. For my children, daughter-in-laws, grandchildren, and Abrar (my Bahraini daughter) who are the joy of my life.
4. For a church family (warts and all) who is willing to walk through this messy life together, offering grace, expressing love, and chastising when appropriate.
5. For the means to live comfortably and to bless others when needed.
6. The freedom of liberty that our country enjoys by the grace of God.

There is much more that I will express in the privacy of my prayer, but for now I want to say thank you, to you, for what you mean to me. I’m just saying.

What I am Thanful for—the grandnephews and nieces

What are you thankful for?

Grand Nephew 1. “It can’t be for the turkey. I’m thankful for church.”

Me. “Why are you thankful for church?

Grand nephew 1. Pause...”I just am.”

Me. “That’s good, I’m thankful for church because it’s where we go to worship together.”

Grand niece 1. “I’m thankful for food.”

Me. “Why are you thankful for food?”

Grand niece 1. “Because it keeps us from starving.”

Me. “Well, we didn’t starve today, did we?”

Grand nephew 2. “I’m thankful for family, because they give you someone to play with.”

Me. “Why are you, oh,...playing with family can be a lot of fun.”

Grand niece 2. “I’m thankful for God.”

Me. “Why are you thankful for God?”

Grand niece 2. “Because he made everything.”

Me. “That’s right, and I’m glad he made you.”

Grand niece 3 (eyes old). “Unintelligible.”

Me. “I know what you mean.”

Me. “I’m thankful for Grandchildren, no matter whose they are, because they tie me over until I get to see mine.” At the end of the evening they each gave me as big a hug as they could to hold me over until my grandchildren come in a few weeks. I don’t know about you, but I had a great Thanksgiving! Oh, yea, and the Turkey was great too! I’m just saying...