Dear Lighthouse,

 

            Reflection.  Yesterday I heard someone on the radio ask if I had enjoyed my summer yet.  He said that the older he gets the faster time seems to go.  It struck me that summer was nearly half over and depending on how long I live, I’m statistically over a third of the way along that path too.  Now, I don’t say these things to depress you, but to make us all stop for a moment and reflect on what has passed. 

Have you thought about today any?  Have you paused and given God praise for your blessings today?  Too often we are in a rush to get to the next ballgame or next meeting that we fail to see God in all things.  We accept Him as Lord of our life, but fail to make Him Lord of our schedule.  I think it was very wise and loving of God to make the observance of the Sabbath a commandment.  He knows us too well.  We would work ourselves to the grave if we were left without His guidance and His permission to stop and rest - and reflect.

How about today then?  What has God provided for you today?  Where have you seen God active today?  Are you too worried about tomorrow to even stop and experience today?  Jesus taught us not to “worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own.”  - Matt. 6:34.  James further instructed us to not say “today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, …. Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.  Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’”  - James 4:13-17.  I think these are sound teachings.  Too much attention given to the future and the next step and the next after that causes too little attention on the here and now.

Reality check:  Have you spoken to and encouraged your kids today?  Have you done likewise to your spouse?  Have you spoken to and praised God today?  Have you been in His Word yet?  Can you take a moment to reflect on this morning or yesterday?  How is the course of your week going?  Is there any sin or struggle you need to confess and bring to God to get His help in overcoming today - before it becomes a habit or sinful lifestyle?  Finally, how about this year so far?  Reflect for a moment on where you were a year ago.   Are you closer to God today than then?  If so, great!  Praise God for His calling you and keeping you faithful.  If not, why?  Whatcha’ gonna’ do about it?  Do you have a person or group that can keep you accountable or encourage you?  Is that a step you don’t want to take because it will promote change?

Think about these questions.  Take some time to reflect today.  Before you rush off to the next appointment you may want to ask yourself if it’s really what you should do.  Or, is there something or someone you ought to see to first.  Do not sacrifice the eternal on the altar of the immediate.  Thoreau wrote, “Most men lead lives of quiet desperation.”  This is absolutely true, but need not be.  I implore you, give each day to God and lead a life a loud exhilaration! 

The Lighthouse stands ready to assist by pointing the way to Him.