people time

I have a career with many opportunities to speak frankly and listen availably.  On one such occasion, I wrote down the thoughts of a man on his sick bed, first referring to his time spent with his children—

I never knew them really... talk to them, walk with them, pray with them, open the door to their minds. 

I didn't understand the full value of life.  You and I can sit here and talk about life, two complete strangers.  You know how great that is?  Just don't let people and time steal that from you.   

There is a God and He will fix the system.  Man is not capable of doing it.  We let too many things go on that's wrong.  Take full advantage of the time you've got.  

I value little advice like that of men like him, from the core of his soul speaking out to a stranger, eager to share the wisdom brought with aging.

Job 12:12 states, "Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days." Realizing this, I appreciate my job more, having the honor of tapping into people's collective wisdom living and working in a nursing home day after day.  

Instead of the thorn 
shall come up the cypress,

Instead of the brier 
shall come up the myrtle,

and it shall make a 
name for the Lord,

an everlasting sign that 
shall not be cut off.

Isaiah 55:13


Christmas season brings our attention to many trees.  I have a fake tree up in my house, and I just added this tiny tabletop cypress.  Aside from decoration, the essence I take from these trees now is their evergreen quality.  If I may, the verse above reminds us that God wanted the evergreen trees in Israel to be a reminder of something lasting— God's faithfulness, His promises, the salvation made possible by Christ.  It's never-ending. With this world in flux and our days uncertain, we can still focus our time and attention on what will last.  

My tiny cypress won't last forever, but many trees do last for what seems like forever.  It's not in a tree's nature to just die.  They aren't like other plants that have a life expectancy.  As long as they stay rooted, they continue to grow and yield fruit.  So it is with those who trust the Lord and remain in Him.  Thank God.  He keeps the righteous grounded, bearing fruit even after dry seasons.

I stood looking at the trees along a river (right) and listening to young girls playing the old song which states, "like a tree planted by the water, I shall not be moved."  What a comfort to man that he can be rooted in something bigger, stronger, and more powerful than himself.

And the spirit of Christmas may fade but the Spirit of Christ can be celebrated year long FOREVERMORE.