You'all know what "purposely" means. "Marking time" means to wait idly, to pull over on the shoulder, put your flashers on, and watch the rest of folks journey by with their lives. Occasionally troubles require us to pull over. Thanks for the picture Emily.
2025 was a journey neither Jan nor myself expected. After both being diagnosed with health issues we were temporarily sidelined. After excellent advice from surgeons, we were put back on the road to either recovery or waiting.
Being sidelined often makes one think about if we have been, and will continue to, live purposely. One of our many purposes is to intentionally relate stories to our grandchildren of God's faithfulness. "We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generations about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about His power, and His mighty wonders". Psalm 78:4
I've been reminded in 2025 that work and worship go hand in hand. It's how God designed it in the Garden of Eden before man was disobedient. I've also been reminded that love and laughter are good medicine. "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength". Proverbs 17:22 This verse not only applies to receiving this good medicine, but also prescribing and giving it.
"God give us men! A time like this demands strong minds, great hearts, true faith, and ready hands". Josiah Holland gave this advice 150 years ago. If our generation doesn't pass these character traits along to the next generations, who will? Thanks for the picture Kurt.
On Christmas afternoon Jan and I drove to Ottumwa to watch the movie "David". As a young man, David lived purposely even though advice and troubles encouraged him to sit on the sidelines.
This past Tuesday evening at our family's Christmas supper, Rosie is perfectly content sitting in the middle of the men's table. Sometimes discontentment can ensnare us. "Man is caught by what he chases". Mr. Chapman wrote this line in 1595. Desire can heal or sicken, depending on what we chase.
There are many excuses to "simply mark time" and watch life drive on by. How about you? Let's fill our miles with purpose in 2026. As we're traveling next year, let's not "Fear the things we think, rather than the things that are". Below Jan and I are blessed with our grandkids behind us, and our great-grandkids on our laps. Happy New Year.
1 comment:
Thank you for reminders and questions along with focus from the past for a new year.
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