Monday, January 25, 2010

I WONDER ABOUT ME

Most of the political discussions of the world usually evolve around money. The discussions are based on who "has the money" and on who "doesn't have the money".

For instance, I am willing to have every medical test that is available as long as I have the money or the insurance to cover the costs. I really do want to know which disease or malady it is that I possess. If I have the least chance of fixing the problem, I want to identify that problem. So I'll just go to the doctor, get the test, and then work with the medical professionals to find a "cure".

I can do that because I "have the money".

There's a fictional character who lives near me with the same medical symptons that I possess. I'm sure that person wants to understand his malady; he wants a clear understanding of how to fix his problem. He chooses not to go the doctor simply because he cannot afford the tests and diagnosis. He doesn't have the money.

THIS HAS BEEN TRUE THROUGHOUT HISTORY. There have always been the "haves" and the "have nots". Nothing about this fact should surprise us. Even the great God of the universe understands the nature of mankind.

BUT . . here is my question. It constantly invades my heart. I realize this is God's spirit speaking to me about my attitude towards the world. The question is . . what should my attitude towards the "I don't have the money" be?

Most of the time I resond with . . "I've made mine" . . "What have you been doing to get yours?" Then comes along a catastrophe like Haiti, and I am reminded of the great needs of this world. The people of Haiti didn't choose to be born there; they certainly didn't choose to be in the epicenter of a major earthquake. Even modern culture understands this, and the world's peoples do everything possible to relieve the pain and suffering of those people.

I am doing the same even though my little seems so little. I give because God wants me to give.

Maybe I should have that same attitude with the hurt and pain that surrounds me here in my own country. After all, it was God who made it possible for me to "have mine". I believe he intended for me to help others.

(I've read this post several times; I'm not really sure about what I'm trying to say. I just know that I am overwhelmed by my status in this world . . compared with so many others. God, help me to be aware of need . . and to respond to it.)

Friday, January 15, 2010

FACEBOOK FRIENDS TO THE GYM

My sweet wife RL has never claimed to be athletic. Actually, she has avoided much athletic activity over the years even though she did become a pretty good skier during our Colorado years. She never broke anything while skiing . . even though she has been "lost" on the mountain . . but that's another story.

About a year ago she joined a local gym (FIT NOW) and began to walk, do the elliptical, and exercise on a lot of the equipment. She also joined a class that moves around with balls and weights and rubber bands, etc. Most of the people in the class are of our age group, and RL has thorougly enjoyed the experience. She goes at least three days a week; she has met some wonderful new friends; and she looks goooooood! It's been a great experience for her, and she's been "on my case" to join up. I must admit that I like what its done for her, but I'm not sure that I really need that type of work out.

I've also notice that a lot of my Facebook friends often mention their venture to the local gym. Some seem to go with enthusiasm, and others seem to do it by some type of obligation. So it must be good.

So that brings me to the latest in my life. RL finally talked me into it, and I joined this week. So, for the past five days I have been walking and doing some light weight stuff on some of the equipment. I walked two miles yesterday without much problem. I figured I was off to a good start, that is, until I met Bobby Frysinger. He's one of the trainers, and for some reason, he cornered me. "Why's everybody always picking on me?"

He had me do some things today with my arms that created great pain. I'm writing this right after getting home from the gym. It's probably the last time I'll be able to write for the next few days. I don't think my arms are going to survive the day. And I'm certainly wondering about sleeping with these great slabs of pain.

So, my suggestion to you is this. Go to the gym. Avoid Bobby!

Monday, January 4, 2010

FOOTBALL . . FOOTBALL . . FOOTBALL

I recently thought about the anticiation and adrenaline flow that I feel when my favorite team is playing an important game. It's a little hard to explain exactly how I feel during these highly "important" times in life. I realize how important most of these games are. . . simply because I can't remember much about the results of the previous year. It just all seems to run together.

But . . back to the issue. Sometimes, while watching what I consider to be an important game, I find myself unable to function very well. I can't sit down. I can't stand up. I can't remain seated. I can't remain standing. My pulse rate seems to be out of control. My breathing is agitated. I'm a mess.

Does any of that sound familiar to you?

I wonder why we get so excited over something that has so little real significance in life. I could make a long list of things that are much more important than football, but I don't have the time. I'd rather watch a football game.

My goal is to focus on the important things in life.

Let me suggest that you stop . . take some time . . and name some of these priorities? When football seems so very important, just stop and recall those priorities in your life. That will be a fun activity!

Saturday, January 2, 2010

BEGINNING OR END

My Son-in-Law, Bryan McAnally, is very definite in saying that the year 2010 is the "end" of the decade . . not the beginning of a new one. He does have a point, even though this is the first time we'll use two decimals instead of one. I remember the discussions and arguments back when 2000 came, and many wanted to wait another year to celebrate a new millenium. We didn't wait. We celebrated, even withouth Y2K calamities, and the new decade began even though celebrated a year early. Now all of the magazines and TV programs are looking back and analyzing the decade. Some are even trying to give it an identifying name.

My wife, RL, is very definite in saying that we are now in the year "Twenty Ten". A lot of people are saying "Two thousand Ten", and I noticed one of those television surveys this week. "What are you going to call the new year?" was the question queried to us by the television announcer. I guess he will announce the winner in the future, and we'll be notified of what to call this and future years. I'm waiting with great anticipation. I need help from these TV personalities.

I'm very definite in saying that a good end starts with a good beginning. So, instead of making any nonsensical resolutions, I think I'll just begin this year with Jesus. It's worked in every decade of the past. I believe He will continue to work in my life from the start to the last.