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Cal's Pastoral Epistles
The Gift of Presence
December 13, 2007
I was on my way to meet my wife for brunch at Dean's Corner in Jewett
City when I saw the most amazing thing. There on the sidewalk was a suit
of armor. It was just standing there saying "buy me" to unsuspecting
travelers. When I saw it my first thought was "Who would ever buy
something like that?" Then I paused and looked at it again. That's when I
thought, "Boy! Wouldn't it be cool to have one of those at my house!"
It is funny how our brains work. We can be perfectly content with life and
then someone or something comes along and suggests that we need
something we don't have and we go bananas. Advertisers know this.
That's why we are bombarded with commercials calling us to step into the
good life or to buy the new and improved version of what we already
have. We are enticed to purchase priceless things with our Visa and
Mastercards. It gets so bad at times that some people resort to stealing to
get something that will only bring them fleeting happiness.
A friend of mine had decked out their home with Christmas decorations.
One night last week they awoke to find that someone had stolen a precious
piece. Yes, they had literally stolen a sign that said "peace." I am sure that
the peace they were looking for in doing such a despicable thing didn't last
long. It never does. When we try to fill that void in us with material things,
the joy we find is often fleeting at best.
So last week as I was momentarily enthralled with the idea of having a suit
of armor of my own, I noticed Lori coming down the street and I was
brought back to reality. Even if I did let my childlike enthusiasm
overwhelm me, I would never convince her that we needed to have such a
thing sitting in the front entry of our home. She is too practical. When it
comes to the house, she has final authority. That's not a bad thing. Maybe
more of us need to have someone there to remind us what we really need.
The truth is that we all need something. We yearn for that which will make
us complete and give us joy. The problem is that we often settle for lesser
things. We think a new fur coat or an upscale computer, or an X-box or
even a suit of armor will fill that need. This isn't something new. Over
three centuries ago the people longed for something to fill that emptiness
within them. The prophets told them that God was sending them a gift.
We celebrate that gift at Christmas. It is the gift of the divine presence.
God is here with us now. He has surrounded us with family and friends.
Even if you don't get anything else for Christmas, you have already
received the most precious gift of all. God loves you. Sounds kind of silly
to say you need a suit of armor when you have God with you. So look
around. Count your blessings. Celebrate the holidays with God at your
side. Who could ask for anything more?
God bless! See you in church. Cal
December 13, 2007
I was on my way to meet my wife for brunch at Dean's Corner in Jewett
City when I saw the most amazing thing. There on the sidewalk was a suit
of armor. It was just standing there saying "buy me" to unsuspecting
travelers. When I saw it my first thought was "Who would ever buy
something like that?" Then I paused and looked at it again. That's when I
thought, "Boy! Wouldn't it be cool to have one of those at my house!"
It is funny how our brains work. We can be perfectly content with life and
then someone or something comes along and suggests that we need
something we don't have and we go bananas. Advertisers know this.
That's why we are bombarded with commercials calling us to step into the
good life or to buy the new and improved version of what we already
have. We are enticed to purchase priceless things with our Visa and
Mastercards. It gets so bad at times that some people resort to stealing to
get something that will only bring them fleeting happiness.
A friend of mine had decked out their home with Christmas decorations.
One night last week they awoke to find that someone had stolen a precious
piece. Yes, they had literally stolen a sign that said "peace." I am sure that
the peace they were looking for in doing such a despicable thing didn't last
long. It never does. When we try to fill that void in us with material things,
the joy we find is often fleeting at best.
So last week as I was momentarily enthralled with the idea of having a suit
of armor of my own, I noticed Lori coming down the street and I was
brought back to reality. Even if I did let my childlike enthusiasm
overwhelm me, I would never convince her that we needed to have such a
thing sitting in the front entry of our home. She is too practical. When it
comes to the house, she has final authority. That's not a bad thing. Maybe
more of us need to have someone there to remind us what we really need.
The truth is that we all need something. We yearn for that which will make
us complete and give us joy. The problem is that we often settle for lesser
things. We think a new fur coat or an upscale computer, or an X-box or
even a suit of armor will fill that need. This isn't something new. Over
three centuries ago the people longed for something to fill that emptiness
within them. The prophets told them that God was sending them a gift.
We celebrate that gift at Christmas. It is the gift of the divine presence.
God is here with us now. He has surrounded us with family and friends.
Even if you don't get anything else for Christmas, you have already
received the most precious gift of all. God loves you. Sounds kind of silly
to say you need a suit of armor when you have God with you. So look
around. Count your blessings. Celebrate the holidays with God at your
side. Who could ask for anything more?
God bless! See you in church. Cal
Pastor Cal Lord writes these weekly epistles to
help us see God in every day things.
help us see God in every day things.
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