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Cal's Pastoral Epistles
Which Gift Are You Looking For?
January 10, 2008
Not too long ago I had a visit from a woman who had lost everything. I
listened to her story. I was touched because it could have been my natural
mother's story. She lived it too. Actually, it could have been a lot of
people's story. Too many of us wander down the same roads. It involved
alcohol abuse and a number of bad decisions. The person told me she
never intended to follow the path she did. This individual simply didn't
appreciate what was given to her and as a result, she let it all go. This
person spent some time living off the street. Life was unpredictable. She
never knew what to expect from one day to the next. The only given was
that tomorrow was going to be as hard as today.
The good news is that her life has turned the corner. At some point she
made a decision that this was no way to live. This woman began to see
things differently. As if a light had gone off inside her head, she decided to
seek help and begin again. Now this person has an apartment, a job, a little
money in her pocket and some dignity. I also noted that she had developed
a thankful heart.
On New Year's eve I was turned on to a wonderful movie entitled, The
Ultimate Gift. It stars James Garner, Lee Merriweather and Brian
Dennehy. I don't want to give the movie away, but the story lifts up
twelve gifts that we can either accept or reject. The secret of happiness is
to receive them for what they add to our lives. The young man who stars
in the movie learns this along the way.
I liked the movie because it made me reflect on what God has given me.
Some gifts aren't wrapped in pretty paper. Yet those are often the ones
that mold and shape us and return the greatest blessing down the road. An
example of that kind of gift is that of problems and difficulties. No one
wants trouble or adversity. Yet, our greatest strength has been found in
overcoming the problems that threaten to undue us. Another gift most of
us would rather due without is that of hard work. We would rather have a
house on easy street. Yet the lessons learned from industry and hard work
come back to bless us a hundred times over.
A few of the gifts that are overlooked include those of laughter, a day, and
even family. We take these things for granted. We take ourselves too
seriously and often don't see the humor in our own preoccupation with
things that don't matter. If we saw Ray Romano (Everybody Loves
Raymond) or America Ferrara (Ugly Betty) doing the same thing, we
would be falling on the floor laughing at how silly they look. We let days
go by running after passing fancies and forget to spend time with those
who we are closest to. The movie reminded me that these are precious
gifts that money can't buy.
Of course money is a gift too. Just ask my visitor and she will tell you
how it can be a precious commodity when the rent is due. When it is used
to build up and glorify God it can become a source of heartfelt gladness.
The other gifts mentioned in the movie include love, friendship and
gratitude. All three teach us how to handle the deeper gifts of learning,
dreams and generosity.
My visitor told me that she was feeling blessed for the first time in her life.
Someone had reached out to her with the love of God. She used to think
that money would solve her problems. Now she knows better. For she has
experienced a few of the gifts that God has to give. May we be so lucky in
this new year.
See you in church. God bless. Cal
January 10, 2008
Not too long ago I had a visit from a woman who had lost everything. I
listened to her story. I was touched because it could have been my natural
mother's story. She lived it too. Actually, it could have been a lot of
people's story. Too many of us wander down the same roads. It involved
alcohol abuse and a number of bad decisions. The person told me she
never intended to follow the path she did. This individual simply didn't
appreciate what was given to her and as a result, she let it all go. This
person spent some time living off the street. Life was unpredictable. She
never knew what to expect from one day to the next. The only given was
that tomorrow was going to be as hard as today.
The good news is that her life has turned the corner. At some point she
made a decision that this was no way to live. This woman began to see
things differently. As if a light had gone off inside her head, she decided to
seek help and begin again. Now this person has an apartment, a job, a little
money in her pocket and some dignity. I also noted that she had developed
a thankful heart.
On New Year's eve I was turned on to a wonderful movie entitled, The
Ultimate Gift. It stars James Garner, Lee Merriweather and Brian
Dennehy. I don't want to give the movie away, but the story lifts up
twelve gifts that we can either accept or reject. The secret of happiness is
to receive them for what they add to our lives. The young man who stars
in the movie learns this along the way.
I liked the movie because it made me reflect on what God has given me.
Some gifts aren't wrapped in pretty paper. Yet those are often the ones
that mold and shape us and return the greatest blessing down the road. An
example of that kind of gift is that of problems and difficulties. No one
wants trouble or adversity. Yet, our greatest strength has been found in
overcoming the problems that threaten to undue us. Another gift most of
us would rather due without is that of hard work. We would rather have a
house on easy street. Yet the lessons learned from industry and hard work
come back to bless us a hundred times over.
A few of the gifts that are overlooked include those of laughter, a day, and
even family. We take these things for granted. We take ourselves too
seriously and often don't see the humor in our own preoccupation with
things that don't matter. If we saw Ray Romano (Everybody Loves
Raymond) or America Ferrara (Ugly Betty) doing the same thing, we
would be falling on the floor laughing at how silly they look. We let days
go by running after passing fancies and forget to spend time with those
who we are closest to. The movie reminded me that these are precious
gifts that money can't buy.
Of course money is a gift too. Just ask my visitor and she will tell you
how it can be a precious commodity when the rent is due. When it is used
to build up and glorify God it can become a source of heartfelt gladness.
The other gifts mentioned in the movie include love, friendship and
gratitude. All three teach us how to handle the deeper gifts of learning,
dreams and generosity.
My visitor told me that she was feeling blessed for the first time in her life.
Someone had reached out to her with the love of God. She used to think
that money would solve her problems. Now she knows better. For she has
experienced a few of the gifts that God has to give. May we be so lucky in
this new year.
See you in church. God bless. 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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