Burdens

We go to church and leave our burdens there, like a big backpack that we carried in.  But too often, after the service, before we go out the back door, we pick up our burdens once again just like the coat that we checked as we came in.  If God is in charge of everything - and He is, and God knows what is going on in the world - and He does, then the difficulties and worries in our lives were allowed by God.  He uses difficulties to mold and to make us into the people that He wants us to be.  “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”  James 1:2-4

Said the robin to the sparrow,

“I should really like to know,

Why these anxious human beings

Rush about and worry so.”

Said the sparrow to the robin,

“Friend I think that it must be,

That they have no Heavenly Father,

Such as cares for you and me.”

-- Elizabeth Cheney

Asteroid Disaster

Today, my nine-year-old grandson was out of school, so he hung out with me.  I am working on a remodel that is almost completed, but the front is totally dirt and gravel.  It is the perfect place for a nine-year-old to make a Hot Wheels community.  Bennett made roads complete with bridges made out of scrap wood.  Late in the morning, I came outside to check on him just in time to see him smashing the whole city with huge dirt clods the size of footballs.  “What are you doing?!” I asked.  Bennett answered, “Oh it’s an asteroid disaster.”

McDonald's

I went by McDonald’s this afternoon in Soddy Daisy.  I had a friend with me, and we had stopped by to get him a cheeseburger and a drink.  After I ordered at the microphone screen, we drove to the first window.  I exchanged pleasantries and gave the girl my card.  As she handed me back my credit card and receipt, I gave her a tract saying, “Here’s something good for you to read.”  She held both hands up in refusal and said, “I am not allowed to dispose of garbage for customers.”  I was speechless, so I drove to the next window and the next girl.  She handed me my order and I handed her the same tract saying, “Here’s you something good for you to read.” she smiled and took it.  I went on, “Now don’t get into trouble reading it on company time.”  She smiled again and said, “Oh, I won’t.”  And I drove away.  As I drove off, I pondered the two girls.  One was defensive and had obviously been stung by some Christian in the past.  But the other took the little paper that had the power to turn her life around and to assure her of a home in heaven when she died.  What a difference in attitudes!  And what a difference in possibilities!  And so, I prayed for both girls and for both of their very different needs.  Hey, what about you?  Are you defensive about spiritual things, or are you open to honest discussions?  Why not try Jesus.  He just might turn your life around too.