In full transparency, I started working on my Bible journal last week planning on writing about some recent life happenings. I opened up our group email about writing and saw I should be writing on John 1. My prayer is for some grace on my reflections for today and to go ahead and read John 1 when you have an opportunity.
John 1:10 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. (Thank you)
Life’s too short (first post)
I recently celebrated my 45th birthday. Yes, I said it. My amazing wife Jennifer who I take for granted way too often made me this awesome canvas with the help of Jackson, Marshall, and Gianna. The title of the picture was called Following in my Daddy’s Footsteps. The following verse was on the bottom as seen above.
Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
Thinking back on the years and the moments of being a parent I’m reminded of the value of every moment we are given. This is also something I feel like I take for granted too often. Jesus’s half brother James cherished his time with Jesus. Maybe that’s what he was telling us in James 4 in reminding us that we have limited time on this temporary earth. Selfishly I would like to have all the time on the earth to be a husband, parent, son, brother, a friend. Yet, I know that my plans are not always His and our short term plans we have on this earth will mean nothing compared to the eternal plan He has for us with Him in Heaven.
James 4:14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes
In these last couple of weeks, I have heard the exciting news of a pregnancy, the birth of a newborn, and celebrated other milestones of the lives of others. I have also heard of the deaths of loved ones who are newborns, grade-school age, and ages younger and older than where I’m at right now. It’s hard not to be upset and wonder why? The only thing we can do is trust in His plan. On any given day, we can go from feasting to mourning, from celebrating life to processing death, or some other life challenge.
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Now, as we anticipate on the eve of an election while facing the many trials of COVID what is helping you clear your vision when you lose sight of God? Circling back to my picture of my footsteps with my children I know that everything I say and do leaves an impact. What will your impact be in the days to come?
John 1:5 says the Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.