"I paused today and gave some thought,
To the many trials that life has brought.
The hardships, the cares, the memories I've had,
Made me blue and very sad.
I thought as to why, this all happened to me,
A good and fair person I've tried to be.
I was now at the point of selfish pride
That kept me from seeing the brighter side.
I looked to the Heavens, up in the sky,
Where I know God dwelled, up there on high.
I said to Him in a weakly voice,
I'm finished. I'm done. I have no choice.
I cannot go much further now.
The time has come, my head to bow.
The trail seems dark and it's a narrow way,
I've failed again, even by day.
Suddenly a dazzling light did appear,
And a small quiet voice came to my ear.
It said, my son, did you not know,
That I test all people down below.
If the peace of my Kingdom you wish to see,
Take my hand and follow me.
Lift up your head and don't be blue,
With your hand in mine I'll see you thru.
When the world seems cruel and life is hard,
Your burdens are heavy and you feel so tired.
Look up to Me and squeeze my hand,
I'll lift you up so you can stand.
And the trials of life will be so light,
That you can accept them in sheer delight.
Then your world will be full of cheer,
If you'll just remember, your God is near."
Written on 6/21/62
By Norris W. Wells, my great-grandfather
Consider It All Joy, My Brethren
Clear the Decks!
I read an interesting article on boundless.org this evening. It was regarding our availablity and readiness to take an active role in the opportunities God throws our way. God desires for us to be prepared for whatever He may have in store for us in the future. Therefore, we cannot allow our life to become 'cluttered' with things or activities that may hinder our availability to be used by Him. I am a neat-freak, so my surroundings are rarely cluttered, but what about the activities, thoughts, and actions throughout my day? Do I allow my life to become cluttered with daily cares and concerns, thus overlooking many opportunities to further the gospel? The term 'clear the decks' is a naval term, used by sailors when they were to prepare for action or battle. When they heard their officers shout 'clear the decks!', they were to toss aside any chairs tables, and other items so that the deck was completely free of any obstacles. This is how we should be prepared for the opportunities that God brings into our lives. Hebrews 12 states "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us." In order to ready ourselves to 'run' for God, we must toss aside anything that could hinder us in accomplishing the things Christ desires of us. And this includes the sin that so often clutters our lives. I wish to be ever ready to be used of Him, though I am entirely unworthy.
A Beautiful Evening
It was a gorgeous night tonight. The way the lightning bugs set the field ablaze with their golden sparkles, and the sounds of the soft popping and thundering of fireworks proved that it is, indeed, summer here in Indiana. The sun set softly and peacefully in the western sky, reminding me that a work week has gone by and it is now time to enjoy a small amount of leisure. The familiar smell of hay, leather, and horseflesh greeted me at the door of the barn as I strolled out to do the evening chores. Walking back up to the house, I decided to sit a while on our new swing and enjoy the beautiful summer evening air. I was able to see Wawasee's fireworks very clearly from where I sat, so I rocked slowly while taking in the splendor. Seeing splashes of color burst over the treeline is a thrilling scene, especially when set off by a nice big cornfield and country dirt road. Finally, the bugs forced me to go indoors for the finale, but it was still an amazing show. Aahhh, how I love summer nights in the country...