I Remember...

In honor of my birthday this week, I’m taking a “walk down memory lane.” Celebrating a birthday provides a time for reviewing and remembering the past. I invite you to join me and perhaps become motivated to do the same and recall those memories that form your story.

My earliest memories come from being an only child, loved and “spoiled” by my parents. I faced challenging health issues at the age of nine, and because of the wonders of medical science, experienced a successful bone transplant. I remember learning to live with the physical scars that resulted from that surgery. I learned early that life has its frustrations, limitations and calls for adjustments and acceptance.

As a youngster, my Saturday mornings included watching “heroes” on the big screen of a local theater (in black and white!) They were cowboys like Hoot Gibson, Tom Mix, Gene Autry, and Roy Rogers. They were the “good guys” who always took care of the “bad guys.” They modeled decency and the pursuit of what was noble and right.

My life was formed by both positive and negative experiences, but there were always those who helped me through the bad times. I discovered that one never has to journey through life alone. Many persons influential in my life are too numerous to mention in this brief writing. Among them are members of my home church (Grace Methodist, Newport News), pastors and youth counselors who became mentors for my faith formation. My call to ordained ministry came as a result of the seeds others planted. Professors and Christian educators provided building blocks for the foundation upon which to form my faith. I remember especially several pastors who became role models of the kind of pastor I wanted to become. I recall many “adult guarantors” who will remain in my memory forever, for their lives became a part of mine. I remember special friends who have shared my journey, through the peaks and valleys, and especially those who offered affirming and encouraging words, and those who didn’t give up on me when I was tempted to give up on myself.

I’m remembering the joy of the birth of my two children and the adventure of parenting which lasts a lifetime. I remember a time when what was broken in my life was renewed by love. I remember the joyous day when my grandson was born, and the day he was recognized as a child of God by being baptized Jacob Franklin. I am grateful that I can still remember all these things and many more, for to a degree, we are what we remember. In my remembering, I have discovered that I have been blessed with many “precious memories.”

Bob Hope is remembered as a comedian, actor, radio and television personality, and doing USO shows for military troops around the world. His signature song was “Thanks for the Memories.” In reflecting on my memories, I rejoin his song and say “thanks for the memories.” I am grateful for all of them. And I’m especially grateful to God for all of my “precious memories” that represent His means of grace.

Rest for Weary Souls

Sometimes life is definitely difficult. We find ourselves facing challenges, standing at crossroads, making tough decisions, dealing with crises, and confronting numerous other issues that drain us physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. As a result, we experience times of weariness. In such times we long for clear direction to regain strength for the journey. How do we find rest for a weary soul?

The prophet Jeremiah offers this advice: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Jeremiah 6:16 NIV) I think Jeremiah was trying to tell us that in times of weariness we need to slow down, assess our situation, and use our spiritual resources to renew our strength.

Jeremiah also suggested that we need to ask for direction to gain clarity for what is expected from us as a people of faith. The prophet Micah also offered keen insight into what is required: “He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)

Scriptures not only tell a story of people on a journey, they help us define our story and determine our journey. People of faith are a pilgrim people with a definite destination. When we gain clarity for where we are to go, guided by the road map provided by scriptures and take steps in faith, we can overcome the weariness that often accompanies the journey. Scriptures can speak to us and provide transforming words and direction for our lives if we seek in a spirit of prayer reflection and expectancy. We need to open the communication channel of prayer to “hear the inner voice” for guidance, then be ready to listen and respond.

As a parent, there were times when my children needed to be placed in “time out.” It was a time intended to stop their unacceptable behavior, consider their actions, make amends, and to determine a better way of behavior. Perhaps when we adults grow weary, we should take a self-imposed “time out,” providing a way of self-discipline reconnecting us with our core faith so we can determine a different pathway.

Regular spiritual connections not only help us determine a better pathway, but can provide clarity for direction, personal peace and contentment, and therefore rest for our weary souls.

A Conversation with God

Me: “Good morning Lord, Thanks for the gift of another day.

Lord: “You’re welcome. Use it wisely. Press on.”

Me: “But Lord, I’m not sure exactly what I am to do, or where I am to go.”

Lord: “Listen, and I will guide you. Press on.”

Me: “But Lord, I’m not sure I have the strength to go much farther.”

Lord: “I will give you strength. Press on.”

Me: “But Lord, I’m no longer as good at setting goals as I was in my youth.”

Lord: “My goals are your goals. Press on.”

Me: “But Lord, at times my faith is weak.”

Lord: “Lean on me and I will renew your faith. Press on.”

Me: “But Lord…”

Lord: “But is an eraser. Remember my promise. I am with you. Press on.”

Me: “Forgive me for my weaknesses and frail faith, Lord.”

Lord: “You are forgiven. Press on.”

Me: “Thanks for renewing my faith with assurance that with you I can press on.”

Lord: “You’re welcome. Now, press on!”

Inspiration for this “conversation” comes from reading Paul’s words in his letter to the Philippians:

Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us then who are mature be of the same mind; and if you think differently about anything, this too God will reveal to you. Only let us hold fast to what we have attained. ~ Philippians 3:10-16 (NRSV)

A New Season of Life

I have been reflecting on my life journey in recent days, in part because of the beginning of a new calendar year, which is always a time for reflection on the past and future. This “reflection” is also because it is my “birthday month” and at my age I must acknowledge the reality of where I am in my journey as a “senior citizen.”

A real challenge of aging is learning how to grow old gracefully. I am finding that life is fuller and complete each day. Simple things that once were taken for granted are now special treats. The rising and setting of the sun are magical moments of wonder. An occasional nap is rejuvenating. Spending time with loved ones and special friends are precious moments indeed. I view awakening at the dawn of a new day as a gift for which I am thankful. Each day brings new insights, inspiration, and opportunities.

I recently received an e-mail containing a powerful message about aging. (Author unknown.) I consider it a birthday gift, and share with you in the hope that it will be a source of inspiration and reflection for you whatever your age, no matter where you are in your journey.

And then it is winter…

You know, time has a way of moving quickly and catching you unaware of the passing years. It seems just yesterday that I was young, just married and embarking on my new life with my mate. And yet in a way, it seems like eons ago, and I wonder where all the years went.

I know that I lived them all, and I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and dreams. But, here it is: the winter of my life and it catches me by surprise.

How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go and where did my youth go?

I remember well... seeing older people through the years and thinking that those older people were years away from me and that winter was so far off that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like...

But, here it is; my friends are retired and getting gray; they move slower and I see an older person now. Some are in better and some worse shape than me, but I see the great change in each of them as I am sure they also see in me. They are not like the ones that I remember who were young and vibrant, but, like me, their age is beginning to show and we are now those older folks that we used to see and never thought we'd be.

Each day now, I find that just getting a shower is a real target for the day! And taking a nap is not a treat anymore: it's mandatory! Cause if I don't on my own free will, I might just fall asleep where I sit!

And so, now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared for all the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and do things that I wish I had done but never did. But, at least I know, that though the winter has come, and I'm not sure how long it will last, this I know, that when it's over, it’s over.

Yes, I have regrets. There are things I wish I hadn't done; things I should have done, but indeed, there are many things I'm happy to have done. It's all in a lifetime.

So, if you're not in your winter yet, let me remind you, that it will be here faster than you think. So, whatever you would like to accomplish in your life please do it quickly! Don't put things off too long! Life goes by quickly. So, do what you can today, as you can never be sure whether this is your winter or not!

You have no promise that you will see all the seasons of your life, so live for today and say all the things that you want your loved ones to remember; and hope that they appreciate and love you for all the things that you have done for them in all the years past.

Life is a gift to you. The way you live your life is your gift to those who come after. Make it a fantastic one. Live well! Enjoy today! Be happy! Be thankful! Be faithful!

Gift Giving

The Christmas story isn’t complete until we observe the post-Christmas visit of the Magi bringing gifts to the baby Jesus. Gift giving was God’s idea and lies at the heart of the Christian faith. “God so loved the world that he gave…” (Jn. 3:16) Such acknowledgment causes us to ask, what gift can I offer and to whom as an expression of my faith to honor Christ? The hymn “What Gift Can We Bring” expresses it well.

What gift can we bring, what present, what token? What words can convey it, the joy of this day? When grateful we come, remembering, rejoicing, what song can we offer in honor and praise?

Give thanks for the past, for those who had vision, who planted and watered so dreams could come true. Give thanks for the now, for study, for worship, for mission that bids us turn prayer into deed.

Give thanks for tomorrow, full of surprises, for knowing whatever tomorrow may bring,
the Word is our promise always, forever, we rest in God's keeping and live in God's love.

This gift we now bring, this present, this token, these words can convey it, the joy of this day! When grateful we come, remembering, rejoicing, this song we now offer in honor and praise!

What gift will you offer and to whom as an expression of your faith to honor Christ this new year?