Some Random Thoughts to Start Your Work Week

Here we are on a Monday morning once again (Mondays - as is true of any of the days of the week - sure do seem to come around quickly, don't they?!). To get you started with your work week, here are a few random thoughts:

1. Today is the first day of a work week for most of us. But there are some among us who have the day off - most government workers, bank employees, teachers and staff in some school districts, etc. And the reason for the day off? It's Columbus Day. Yep. In 1934, the U.S. government made the observance of Columbus Day a federal holiday. In 1971, the government permanently established the official Columbus Day holiday as the second Monday of October. Now why do we observe this holiday? Supposedly it is to commemorate the date of Christopher Columbus' "discovery" of America which occurred on October 12, 1492. My guess is that most people who have the day off will give little if any thought to the man behind their holiday. Reminds me of the way we human beings so often go about our lives giving little thought to the God behind our lives ... the God in whom we "live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28).

2. Last nights' divisional baseball game between the Colorado Rockies and the Philadelphia Phillies was played in less than optimum conditions. The temperature at game time was 31 degrees. By game's end it had fallen into the twenties. Now you might be able to play football in that kind of weather. But baseball is a different game, much more susceptible to poor playing conditions. But I guess since both teams had to play in the same conditions, neither team had the advantage. As we go through our daily routines - often we face less than optimum "playing conditions." It is during these times that our faith is most challenged. But it is also a great opportunity for spiritual growth (see James 1:2-4). So when (not if) you face difficulties (or to use a baseball metaphor: when life "throws you a curve") don't ask God to get you "out of" the situation. Rather ask Him to get you "through" the situation, teaching you the lessons that He has for you to learn.

3. I love my family! My wife has been my very best friend for some 31+ years now. God has blessed the two of us with three children (and now their three wonderful spouses) and two grandchildren (with more, we hope, to come). All of our children love each other and love to be together (and love to be with us!). I also love my church family here at Grace. For over twenty years we have sought God together. Yes, many have come and gone through the years, but there are many who have been here with us now for many, many years. So if you are reading this and you are part of the family here at Grace, I want you to know that I thank God for YOU!

Thanks for stopping by . . .

pj