Man’s got to hold true to what he knows and I know this: a man who’ll break one promise for ease of things will break more promises.”
–L.C. Matthews (The Promise)
“I will fulfill my vows to you, O God, and will offer a sacrifice of thanks for your help.”
–Psalm 56:12 (NLT)
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The ol’ bones are achy this morning. We did some walking at the zoo yesterday, excuse me the Animal Preserve. I’m feeling it some this morning. Almost said forget the Echo, but then I thought of those who faithfully look forward to reading them.
Every morning holds the prospect of something new. Very seldom can a person say it’s the same old thing. If they do that there is probably something wrong with their attitude. Each morning has something new, something beautiful. For instance, here at Shauna’s, regular as clockwork there will be two flocks of Canadian geese fly over in formation. Now, that’s something. Hmmm, they must have an inward computer telling them.
I read something from Charles Dickens earlier in the year. He wrote, “Such are the narrow views of those philosophers who, content with examining the things that lie before them, look not to the truths which are hidden beyond.” What lies before you this day? This is the day the Lord has made, therefore, we should observe the beauty of each morning. Ponder the words of the prophet Isaiah; it will help you get the day started right.
“That they may know from the rising of the sun to its setting that there is none besides Me. I am the LORD, and there is no other.” (Isaiah 45:6, NKJV)
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I have always believed that everything we do should be unto the Lord, therefore it is worship (Colossians 3:17, 23). I also believe that every believer should listen to the call of God for his vocation in life. In that vocation we should be doing quality work. Today, there is a glut of mediocrity and those in the church add to it. How I enjoy seeing a quality piece of work, or watching someone who really enjoys their work.
Here are a few things to ponder as you go into the weekend: “Now God commands Christians, who are the fruit-bearing branches of his church, to exercise devotion in a manner appropriate to occupation and position. It is not the same for everyone. Devotion is expressed in one way by a laborer and another way by a prince, a young girl, a married woman, or a widow. The manner in which you engage in devotional activities will also depend upon your physical condition, your activities, and your responsibilities. It would make no sense for a skilled craftsman to be in church all day, or for a monk to attend numerous committee meetings. That would resort in a comically distorted kind of devotion.” (Francis de Sales)
Hmmmm, see then, I must be as devoted to my retirement as I was to my classroom. And that’s why I got up to write my note to you this morning.