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Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Sometimes!

"Pappa, why do some people stay upset all the time?" asked the little boy about someone he saw become vocally upset because someone annoyed them for some reason or another.  "Do they know that what they are doing is what they are angry about others are doing?"

Talk about out of the mouth of babes!

I was amazed at the insight this young child had as they viewed the reality of adulthood's most difficult aspect, living in harmony with each other and allowing others actions and reactions to be overlooked out of love for them just being there.  This is difficult for us as humans to understand, on either side of the situation.

My answer?  "Sometimes!"

I'll see you later.

Monday, May 21, 2012

How Long Is Enough?

There are so many things that I have done in my life that have been hobbies and fun ones at that!  Over the years I had to start making concessions and giving them up.  Let me share just a few of those with you that I have done.  Some I still participate in but then there are many I have given up.  I'll indicate the ones I have given up with an  in front of them. Now this is participation hobbies.

These are a few I have given up: Baseball,  softball,  bowling,  skating,  water skiing,  snow skiing,  motorcycling, umpiring baseball, officiating basketball, trapping wild game, and raising hogs (literally).

These are a few I still participate in: Fishing, hunting, swimming, camping, radio broadcasting sports, golf, hiking, playing music on my mandolin, singing, did I say hunting and fishing?

Why do you think I gave up some of my hobbies.  There are several reasons!  First, I became incapable of doing some.  Physically was unable to perform these to the point of enjoyment.  Others I gave up because of health reasons.  Still others I just became to old to do, which I never thought was possible.  Those were the things I gave up, yet there are some that I still participate in and enjoy.

Life does this to us.  There are things we would really love to continue in our lives, but there comes a time when it has been "Long Enough."  We have done our time and we need to move on to other things.  We may not want to, but it has been long enough.  We may feel we can still perform in some ways, but it has been long enough.

I have several friends who over the years have talked with me about this and I understand better now that I am getting older how they feel.  Many of my peers are having to give up things that they really don't want to give up but realize that it is necessary to listen to those around them who care about them and want nothing but the best for them. 

This very thing is happening at the church where I serve as the pulpit minister.  Several of our elders who have served for so many years have said "enough."  Not that it was a problem that caused them to leave, but the came to realize that it was time to step aside and listen to their bodies and hearts to know what to do.  I admire their desire to be honest with themselves and understand that they will never stop leading others in Christ.  I pray for them in their transition. 

Think about your life.  Have you reached a point to where you have had to say, "Enough?"  Have you come to the point where you have understood it was time to give up some of the things you really loved?  It is okay to give up the things you can't do physically or spiritually, as long as you don't give up doing what is right for God. It is time to become a blessing for others by allowing yourself to stand back and enjoy watching and listening to those who have come after you and be there to give them the wisdom and encouragement they need to do what it is they do.

I'll see you later.