A couple of weeks ago I went to my local, small town, bank. We've banked there for many years and most of the tellers know me. But this time was different. When I walked up to the counter the (newer) teller had a slightly nervous expression on his face. He asked me to remove my hat. I looked at him like he was nuts and he continued by saying that they prefer to have transactions on video without obstructions of hats and things. My first inclination (which I did NOT act upon) was to get angry and say that I didn't need to take off my hat. I wanted to ask if he would be asking me to do it if I wasn't brown. But I didn't want to cause a scene so I complied.
That encounter got me thinking.
I have a couple friends that work at banks in different cities and states who have been held up. One actually had a gun pointed at her. She said that it's an experience she'll never forget. So when it comes to the safety of bank tellers, maybe it's not about me.
When I let that thought roll around in my brain for a little while I wondered how this concept could apply to other areas of my life:
A person cuts me off in traffic- Maybe it's not about me.
The temperature drops 20 degrees, it's overcast and threatening rain on the day of my party- Maybe it's not about me.
On the same day as my experience in the bank I went grocery shopping. Anyone who has been to the grocery store lately can attest to the fact that food prices are out of control. As I looked at the high meat prices I could feel the anger pouring over me. I had to remind myself "Maybe it's not about me."
Now would be a good time to clarify what I mean by "Maybe it's not about me."
Obviously every one of those things I previously mentioned have an effect on me. But the teller was most likely following branch policy. I highly doubt it was a personal attack.
Rain happens. I don't think God was up there saying "Let's mess with Jimmy and make it cold and damp on the day of his party."
And as for the guy that cuts me off, or the hundreds of people that find it necessary to ride my bumper in traffic? I'm sorry, but some times people just suck. I'm trying to remember that some times people have a lot more going on in their lives and unfortunately they often spew their crap on others.
It is a result of the world in which we live.
I'm convinced that if we discern between whether something is a personal attack or just a result of living in a fallen world we can often defuse potentially volatile situations.
This may come as a shocker to some readers, but I mess up... A lot!
But here's the thing. When I mess up I hope that people are forgiving and extend grace even when I don't deserve it. So if that's what I want from others, shouldn't I be willing to extend the same to others?
Instead of automatically assuming that the negative that is happening is a personal attack maybe I would be better off rolling with it. Because when I get angry it usually snowballs. Before I know it I am mad at the world and ready to kick some butt. But really what good ever comes from that? That's how wars get started.
So the weather didn't turn out as I planned and some of my friends couldn't make it. Was it really the end of the world? NO! We had reserved a shelter in the park so we were protected from the rain. And I still enjoyed time with the friends that were able to make it.
And now, when I go to the bank, I remove my hat prior to entering out of respect for those working in a potentially dangerous situation.
Maybe it's not about me. But maybe I can take it upon myself to be the reason someone else has a better day.
God bless y'all!
Monday, July 29, 2013
Monday, July 22, 2013
Being there
My wife and I went on vacation a couple of weeks ago. It was FANTASTIC! We had such a great time of relaxation. It was a week with family, food, and sunshine. I hadn't realized how much I was in need of a break from life. I highly recommend taking time to recharge and reconnect at least once a year (I would love to do it more often but that's probably not financially feasible.)
Prior to our get away, my wife and I had a discussion about someone else that was getting ready for a trip. That person had already begun to talk about how "Before you know it, it will be over and time to come home." I feel badly for people with that mindset.
When I was in college I was in one of my classes and my friend Andrea wrote a quote in my journal that has stuck with me ever since.
“Wherever you are, be all there!" - Jim Elliot
I seriously love that! Later I looked up Elliot's quote. It continues by saying, " Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God.”
Through the years I have had some difficulty living that way. But God continually reminds me of this quote and it gives me the emotional boost that I need.
Recently I have had some disappointments in the area of career. Nothing major, just some disappointments as far as the direction that I think I should be headed. But I am learning to trust that God will direct my steps. That doesn't necessarily mean that things will go the way that I expect them to go. But, where I am flawed and not exactly the brightest, He is perfect and wise.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
When disappointment comes, I have been trying to remember these words and live by them.
On a personal level, this helps me to remember that- my job is just a job; my calling is to be a servant of God and to share the message of reconciliation with the lost world. In my book that's the greatest calling there is.
So when I live life like Andrea quoted, being "all there," I can't help but be filled with joy.
Seems like a pretty great way to live!
I encourage you,
“Wherever you are, be all there! Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God.”
― Jim Elliot
God bless y'all!
Jimmy!
Prior to our get away, my wife and I had a discussion about someone else that was getting ready for a trip. That person had already begun to talk about how "Before you know it, it will be over and time to come home." I feel badly for people with that mindset.
When I was in college I was in one of my classes and my friend Andrea wrote a quote in my journal that has stuck with me ever since.
“Wherever you are, be all there!" - Jim Elliot
I seriously love that! Later I looked up Elliot's quote. It continues by saying, " Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God.”
Through the years I have had some difficulty living that way. But God continually reminds me of this quote and it gives me the emotional boost that I need.
Recently I have had some disappointments in the area of career. Nothing major, just some disappointments as far as the direction that I think I should be headed. But I am learning to trust that God will direct my steps. That doesn't necessarily mean that things will go the way that I expect them to go. But, where I am flawed and not exactly the brightest, He is perfect and wise.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
When disappointment comes, I have been trying to remember these words and live by them.
On a personal level, this helps me to remember that- my job is just a job; my calling is to be a servant of God and to share the message of reconciliation with the lost world. In my book that's the greatest calling there is.
So when I live life like Andrea quoted, being "all there," I can't help but be filled with joy.
Seems like a pretty great way to live!
I encourage you,
“Wherever you are, be all there! Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God.”
― Jim Elliot
God bless y'all!
Jimmy!
Monday, July 15, 2013
What I believe
This one is going to be deep and may be considered offensive, but I share what I believe in hope that, if you don't already believe, you will come to know God. I'd appreciate if you kept an open mind.
A couple weeks ago, when I was visiting a church in Michigan, I heard a staggering figure.
The preacher said that only (approximately) 4% of the American population is capable of giving a clear explanation of the Gospel message.
I am passionate about the Gospel and try to include the message every time I preach.
I often write in this blog about my experiences and usually tie them to scripture and how God brings me through my daily life. So I thought it would be good to share what I believe.
Here it is a brief synopsis of the gospel:
God made the world and everything in it. He walked with the first man and woman and met all of their needs. The only thing he asked was that they not eat the fruit of one tree in the garden He had provided. At one point (we don't know how long after creation) the man and woman chose to disobey God. They ate from that tree. From that point on there has been a disconnect in the relationship between human and God. So God, because He loves us, sent His Son to be born to a human mother and live on Earth. This son, Jesus, lived a perfect life and spent his adult life telling people about the kingdom of God and how to be made right with God. The religious leaders of the day conspired to have him arrested and he eventually was subjected to a painful death of being hung on a cross. His body was laid in a tomb and 3 days later he came back from the dead. His death and resurrection made it possible to be right with God. By putting our faith in Jesus, and what he did, we are forgiven for our inherent rebellion.
In Matthew 19:25-26 says
The disciples were astounded, "Then who in the world can be saved?" they asked.
Jesus looked at them intently and said "Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God, everything is possible."
And Philippians 2:10-11 says that
At the name of Jesus, every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.
I believe this these things to be true. And as a result, I can either make Him the Lord of my life now, or wait until it's too late.
If you have questions I would love the chance to talk to you about this more.
Please note, I'm not trying to start any arguments, so please don't use the comment section for that purpose. But if you want to have a respectful dialogue, feel free to comment.
God bless y'all!
A couple weeks ago, when I was visiting a church in Michigan, I heard a staggering figure.
The preacher said that only (approximately) 4% of the American population is capable of giving a clear explanation of the Gospel message.
I am passionate about the Gospel and try to include the message every time I preach.
I often write in this blog about my experiences and usually tie them to scripture and how God brings me through my daily life. So I thought it would be good to share what I believe.
Here it is a brief synopsis of the gospel:
God made the world and everything in it. He walked with the first man and woman and met all of their needs. The only thing he asked was that they not eat the fruit of one tree in the garden He had provided. At one point (we don't know how long after creation) the man and woman chose to disobey God. They ate from that tree. From that point on there has been a disconnect in the relationship between human and God. So God, because He loves us, sent His Son to be born to a human mother and live on Earth. This son, Jesus, lived a perfect life and spent his adult life telling people about the kingdom of God and how to be made right with God. The religious leaders of the day conspired to have him arrested and he eventually was subjected to a painful death of being hung on a cross. His body was laid in a tomb and 3 days later he came back from the dead. His death and resurrection made it possible to be right with God. By putting our faith in Jesus, and what he did, we are forgiven for our inherent rebellion.
In Matthew 19:25-26 says
The disciples were astounded, "Then who in the world can be saved?" they asked.
Jesus looked at them intently and said "Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God, everything is possible."
And Philippians 2:10-11 says that
At the name of Jesus, every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.
I believe this these things to be true. And as a result, I can either make Him the Lord of my life now, or wait until it's too late.
If you have questions I would love the chance to talk to you about this more.
Please note, I'm not trying to start any arguments, so please don't use the comment section for that purpose. But if you want to have a respectful dialogue, feel free to comment.
God bless y'all!
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