Others

The invention of social media networks has revealed much about the human condition. Social media gives us the wonderful opportunity to connect with our friends and family. It is a modern wonder. While my friend, Todd, traverses the globe sharing good news of God's eternal love, I receive daily reports. I can pray more effectively and be connected to the trip. Friends and family are able to rejoice with us as we share images of our children and grandchildren from dance recitals or ball games. This is wonderful.

I also notice what seems to be bragging by those in my network. No one knows the thoughts and intentions of others. It is not my place to judge others. I am not God. He alone is the judge. However, I am suppose to judge myself. According to 1 Corinthians 11:27-32, before we partake in Holy Communion we should examine ourselves. If we judge ourselves, we will not require further judgment.

Let's use social media as a means of fellowship with others, and to advance the cause of Christ. Let's reduce our need to brag of our latest exploits and opportunities. Let's follow the greatest command--love God and love others.

Peace,
Stan

Valentine's Day

With Valentine's Day approaching, one's thoughts are drawn to love. Love is defined so widely. Love for many people is some squishy bit of goo. Love must be more than a capricious emotion. Our emotions are too unreliable. I believe the band Boston tried to capture this thought in the song-"More Than a Feeling."

I looked out this morning and the sun was gone
Turned on some music to start my day
I lost myself in a familiar song
I closed my eyes and I slipped away

It's more than a feeling
(More than a feeling)
When I hear that old song they used to play
(More than a feeling)
I begin dreaming
(More than a feeling)
'Til I see Marianne walk away
I see my Marianne walkin' away

So many people have come and gone
Their faces fade as the years go by
Yet I still recall as I wander on
As clear as the sun in the summer sky

It's more than a feeling
(More than a feeling)
When I hear that old song they used to play
(More than a feeling)
I begin dreaming
(More than a feeling)
'Til I see Marianne walk away
I see my Marianne walkin' away

When I'm tired and thinking cold
I hide in my music, forget the day
And dream of a girl I used to know
I closed my eyes and she slipped away
She slipped away

It's more than a feeling
(More than a feeling)
When I hear that old song they used to play
(More than a feeling)
I begin dreaming
(More than a feeling)
'Til I see Marianne walk away

 

I have been married to Michelle for 29 years. It's more than a feeling. Yet, the feelings of love are strong. Speaking from experience, there is nothing in life equal to loving a person for a lifetime. Love is defined by actions more than feelings. The feelings of love follow the actions of love. Love is intentionally doing for another something helpful that costs you something. Loving for a lifetime is living always to please the other person more than yourself. Love is not demanding, it is generous.

Happy Valentine's Day,

Stan

Black Hole of Self

Wikipedia defines a black hole as, "a region of space from which nothing, not even light, can escape. It is the result of the deformation of space time caused by a very compact mass. Around a black hole there is an undetectable surface called an event horizon that marks the point of no return. It is called 'black' because it absorbs all the light that hits the horizon, reflecting nothing."

When I think about myself, live for myself, and am irritated when others don't do enough for me, I have just enter the event horizon. Self-interest is blinding. The event horizon is undetectable. I have been sucked down into the black hole before I realize it. I cry out for attention, but no one hears me. I demand respect. "What about me? What about my needs?" No response.

Jesus said, "You are the light of the world." (Matthew 5:14) The trouble is that I am like the moon, not the sun. I produce no light by myself. I can only reflect the light of the Son. Jesus is the light of the world. "Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'" (John 8:12)

Let's follow Jesus and reflect his light to the world. Let's live for others not for ourselves. My purpose is to reflect light so that others may come out from their darkness. My life should point the way to the source of light, God's Son. Avoid by a wide berth the event horizon. Don't be sucked down into the black hole of self. Stay close to the Light of the World.

Peace,
Stan