Without Fat, there is no skinny
My pastor made me think recently. I know it is a rare thing because they usually just go on and on and on about something or another that is usually boring and preachy (I’m pretty sure that is why they get paid the big bucks). Anyhoo, this past Sunday was different.
He was sharing about a time where he was at a pivot in life and was using a basketball analogy. Someone passes a ball to you and you can pivot right or you can pivot left, but you can’t do both (unless you play for the Lakers- what can I say, they’re all Nuggets fans in this neck of the woods). Anyway, he was at a crossroads in his life and was praying for direction. He felt that he very clearly had God stop him from his usual whiney prayers. It was as if God was telling him, “Don’t worry about all that stuff. I know your needs and I’ll meet them. Now, when you get to Heaven, what three things am I going to tell you that I’m really glad that you did?”
It made me think. It made me think even harder when he said to throw out the obligatory stuff of being a Father, husband, poor blogger, etc. Hmmm…if you take away being a father, what have I really done? Nothing.
Since I’m a big loser in that category, I slightly twisted God’s question that he never even asked me to begin with. “What are three lessons you learned in life?” Hmmm…that is a great question God,…I may have even learned one of them recently. More accurately, I am probably learning one of them right now.
I am currently living in the most beautiful place that I have ever lived. I guess you’ve got to see it, but my daily view is the Rockies. They are beyond gorgeous, and I think they have provided my first lesson. Humor me for a second and think about a beautiful day. Most of us are probably thinking about a clear blue sky on a sunny day. Not even a cloud in the sky, right? That’s what I always thought too. However, recently, my eyes have been opened.
On a clear blue day, the mountains are definitely beautiful. However, put some dark storm clouds behind them, and the snow caps glow and seem to jump off a canvas. It is literally almost breathtaking. Why does this contrast work and can it mean anything in my life?
I don’t know about you, but when things are going good, I’ve got a bad habit of telling God, “Thanks big guy, but I’ve got it from here!” When things are running smoothly, who needs God right? However, when things aren’t going so smooth, that is when I get down on my knees and remember that without him, I am nothing. In the dark times, HIS light really shines. Unfortunately, or is it fortunately, I am going through one of those times right now. So since this is occasionally supposed to be funny and your sides are probably hurting from all of the laughing you have been doing on this blog, I won’t punish you anymore. Instead, I’ll go thank God for the temporary dark clouds that make me really appreciate his light..
