Think About It

During the latter part of the 20th Century, school-aged children were familiar with masks – but, it wasn’t the kind that they wear in school today. During those days, there was a “masked man” who wore a cover over his face to obscure his identity. The man, John Reid (better known as the Lone Ranger), rode the trails of Texas doing good, but striving for anonymity during his actions. While many people benefited from his kindness, few knew his identity. I don’t know that the tales of the Lone Ranger would meet the modern scrutiny of heroism (or even social correctness), but as I thought about him recently, something stood out. Here was a man out there doing good – not for the notoriety, but just because it was the right thing to do. In fact, he went out of his way to avoid being known despite the good he did. Now, let’s shift to the 21st Century. Why do we do good? Is it merely to do good or do we have an ulterior motive in mind? Do we do good to leave a legacy, to make a name ...

I feel like I have been stricken with the Dr. Jekyll, Mr. Hyde syndrome. At one part of the day I will visit with people who are suffering from some type of ailment and I will start to feel like I have the same things bothering me. Whether it is a sore throat, stuffy nose or just a general malaise – I got it, too. Then I will go to the gym and hang around with people who are working out and feeling good. They are excited about what they have been able to accomplish and are riding the high that comes with extra endorphins. I realize I may not look as good as they do or can run as far as they can, but I just feel better than I did before I got to the gym. Interestingly, in just a matter of a few minutes, I can be up or down depending on my perspective. One of the interesting things about being Jekyll or Hyde is that more often than not I am the one who chooses the persona I display. For me, it is less about actual physical health than it is about attitude. My focus determines my ...

I am not sure how many of you noticed this, but Homeland Security issued a new National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin about a heightened threat environment across the United States. The warning which is in effect from August 13 to November 11 warns Americans to be on alert for foreign and domestic treats to our safety. The agency cited the twentieth anniversary of 9/11 and news about COVID-19 health issues and constraints as possible rationales for terroristic activity. I won’t detail the warning, but a summary of the bulletin says “Be Prepared and Stay Informed”. As I read the bulletin, I was reminded of another warning that was issued centuries ago – not to Americans, but to Christians. When the Apostle Peter addressed the early disciples, he warned, “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (I Peter 5:8). Satan’s power and presence in our world makes him a perennial threat to our spiri...

I think I have learned as much about COVID in the last couple of weeks as I have at just about any other time during the pandemic. When the vaccination became available several months ago, I got as close to the front of the line as I could. After all, if I get the vaccination, I will be able to get rid of my masks and won’t have to worry about testing positive for the virus. Well, through the months I have learned that breakthrough cases do occur and, while we can get sick, the potential of vaccinated people ending up in the hospital is much less than those who haven’t been vaccinated. While it is tempting for me to be upset that the shot didn’t solve all of my problems, the reality is that with it I am in significantly less danger than if I hadn’t gotten it. Now, the reason for this observation isn’t to discuss vaccinations, it is to make a parallel point from godliness. When we become Christians, we might enter the relationship expecting to live a peaceful, carefree life. Af...

Last Sunday morning I heard a really good sermon based on the Parable of the Talents from Matthew 25. The preacher made several good points, but one of the ones that really stuck with me was something from verse 25. After visiting with the servants who had utilized the talents they had been given, the master addressed the one who didn’t. Interestingly, when confronted about his decision, the slave observed, “And I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.” (Matthew 25:25). We might be surprised that the boss reacted so harshly in this response – I mean after all, the master didn’t “lose” any money – but, what seemed to upset the master was unfulfilled potential. He wasn’t upset that the servant took a risk or lost the talent, he was mad because the man didn’t even try. The servant tried to blame his inactivity on fear of failing, but the master honed-in on his lack of effort. Most of us realize the moral of this story is that we ha...

Yesterday was one of those days. When Sunday morning rolls around, I want to have all my ducks in a row and leave few things to chance. While that is a noble desire, sometimes life just gets in the way. Due to things beyond our control, by the time it came time for worship, we had a lot of holes to fill. Some of those who were assigned to lead worship weren’t unavailable and the core group that typically guides us through our livestreaming wasn’t there. It could have been a disaster – but it wasn’t! Others stepped up and made it happen. As I reflected on what transpired, a couple of things came to mind. First, when you surround yourself with good people and good things are going to happen. We are blessed to have quality, capable people who are willing to volunteer to rise to the occasion. I am blessed to be a part of a group that has both aptitude and desire. Second, fretting is futile. Worrying about pulling something off perfectly is merely a recipe for disappointment. ...

This weekend, Jeane and I celebrate our fortieth wedding anniversary. As we look back, it is easy to see how much we and our world have changed. When we said, “I do” on August 14, 1981 there is no way that we could have known (or even imagined) what would happen during the next forty years. Our plans have been established, then changed, throughout the years. We have been blessed – no, it hasn’t all been easy (especially for Jeane having to put up with me) – but we have navigated the journey together and will get to celebrate with each other this weekend. Every once in a while someone will ask how we made this far. I don’t know that we have the definitive answer to the longevity of marriage, but I think there are a few keys that have allowed us to get to where we are: 1. Friendship. We like doing things together. We have been each other’s best friends for over four decades. We have surrounded ourselves with fun people, but at the end of the day, our friendship with each other ...