Reluctant Retiree

My car displays the speed limit on the console as I am driving. Today I noticed that it was not giving me this warning. Then I realized that snow was covering the speed limit signs as we passed them. The car’s detection system could not read the signs in order to display them for me.

Road signs give us valuable warnings about dangerous conditions and enable us to drive safely, if we obey the rules. Dangerous curve ahead signs warn us to slow down in order to stay on the road through the curve. Stop signs and stoplights tell us to stop and avoid collisions. Do not pass signs instruct us not to try to overcome those in front of us.

In the same way, God’s Word, the Bible, gives us warnings and instructions for staying on the path of righteousness and avoiding trouble ahead. Psalm 119:105 puts it this way; “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” The only way to walk uprightly before God is to allow the light of His Word to illuminate our eyes with truth. Other so called sources of truth will take us into dangerous situations and cause us to stumble.

This morning I faced a decision. Should I do my usual long morning walk or should I take a day off? We planned to participate in a workday at a home for women recovering from addictions. I knew that if I walked, I would not have the necessary energy to fully dedicate myself to the work projects. I love to walk, so it was hard to give it up, even for a day. But I chose not to walk.

My choice was a small sacrifice in order to do some good for others. I think that we are faced with dozens of these types of decisions each day. Should I do this, which I really want to do and which benefits me? Or should I do that, which really helps someone else?

I Timothy 6:18-19 gives us some guidelines for making the right decisions, when it says, “They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” The overall guideline is to do good things for people. Be generous in good works and always ready to share in these works. By doing so, you are building a strong foundation for your life. And, in fact, are experiencing the true joy of life.

When was the last time you were astonished by something you witnessed? Maybe it was a magic trick. Perhaps it was the birth of your child or grandchild. Perhaps it was simply someone doing something that surprised you. Or it could have been some extraordinary act of kindness.

A child can be astonished by the smallest thing. As we get older, we may get more cynical and less attuned to the astonishing happenings around us. To me, that is sad. Life is fuller and more meaningful if we are open to astonishment or the wonders in our lives.

Luke 9:42-43 says, “But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit and healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. And all were astonished at the majesty of God.” In this story, Jesus heals a boy at the request of his distraught father. Note the reaction of the witnesses of this miracle. They attributed it to the majesty of God. I would suggest that if you and I are not seeing the majesty of God around us, it is because we are not paying attention. God is always performing astonishing works and His majesty is evident in all of them.

Just this morning I saw an amazing sunrise. It seemed so bright that it looked like a forest fire at the horizon. The clouds were beautiful shades of orange and purple. I could have ignored it as an every day event, but I chose to pay attention to the astonishing light show painted by God this morning. This sunrise is a small thing, but how many big things do we miss by not being open to God’s majesty?

When I think of comfort, I think about my recliner. I love to sit back with a book or a game on television. My head is laid back and my feet lifted up. To add to the comfort, most likely I will have my favorite snack and a cold drink.

When God speaks about comfort in the Bible, He is drawing our attention to the comfort that He provides in our afflictions. He is the Father of all mercies, meaning He extends mercy to us in different ways depending upon our need. He has a heart of compassion that feels our hurts and understands our pain. Just a word from Him can soothe our pain, but He gives us so much more. He shows us hope that helps us endure. He reveals faithfulness that strengthens our faith. He demonstrates power that gives us victory.

II Corinthians 1:3-4 says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” Instead of worrying and fretting the next time you are hurting, try turning the pain over to the God of all mercies and compassion. The road to recovery and peace will be much satisfying.

Lately I have been in a lot of situations where I sensed that what I have to say is better left unsaid. My wife said something that I understood to be a criticism of me. Immediately I thought of a good comeback, but then realized that she was right, at least partially. My retort would have just escalated the tension and likely lead her to become defensive. In a group discussion, I gave my opinion. Someone else indirectly verbally challenged my view. I could have defended my opinion, but it would have sidetracked the discussion and led to meaningless debate over an inconsequential issue.

Of course, there are times when leaving something unsaid is not the right thing to do. We should always defend the weak and downtrodden amongst us. We should always stand for truth and justice. We must be courageous in defending our faith and morality.

And we should always be full of praise to our God. Psalm 145:2-4 says, “Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.” We should praise Him for the great things that He does. But we should also praise Him for who He is. After all, He is all powerful, all knowing, full of love, giver of hope, truth, faithful, compassionate, Father of all mercies, and full of grace. He is worthy of our praise.