Thanksgiving thoughts

In 2013, I wrote a Thanksgiving blog that I titled “Thanking God even when life hurts”.  It was appropriate for me to write such a blog back then, and it is certainly appropriate for me to revisit that theme again this year.  Life does hurt.  Quite frankly, I have not been looking forward to the holidays.  To face these beloved holidays without my dad for the first time in my life is a very daunting task.

But as I think about it, even in the midst of a painful 2015, I can still see numerous abundant blessings that God has showered upon me.  For example, there’s an interesting verse tucked away in the book of Daniel.  Daniel 5:23 says that God holds our breath in His hands.  Has 2015 been a difficult year for you?  Are you having trouble compiling a list of things to be thankful for?  How about starting by thanking God that He graciously gives you breath every day?  The Bible declares that it is God Himself who provides breath to humanity.  Incidentally, this is true both for the believer and for the non-believer.

At one point in that 2013 blog, I wrote these words: “But, even in the midst of the turmoil, my faith and trust in God is the thing that sustains me and keeps me going.  Even in the midst of the chaos, I have hope.  I have gratitude in my heart to God.  Why?  Because He alone is in full control, no matter what.  Ephesians 1:11 tells us that God “works out everything in conformity to the purpose of his will.”  Certainly that doesn’t mean that we will always understand why God allows specific things to happen…but, despite this, God’s will, plan, and purpose is superior, and it will ultimately prevail.”

Kevin

The incredible power of words

Last week, due to a sickness, I lost my voice.  It was interesting to try to go about all my responsibilities while not being able to communicate very well.  When you go through something like this it teaches you not to take fully functioning vocal cords for granted.  Believe me, when you compile your Thanksgiving list of things you are thankful for perhaps you should include be able to speak because it really is a gift.

As I was going through all this, I found an interesting Bible verse from the book of Proverbs.  It reads, “The words of the reckless pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” (Proverbs 12:18).  It’s such a shame that, although we have such a marvelous gift of speech, we often squander it by speaking words that belittle other people.  Unkind words certainly do pierce like a sword.

The Bible gives us this prescription: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29).  Speak words that encourage, build up, and help others.  In the midst of my unusual week, someone thanked me for my years of service at Chick-fil-A.  I was so encouraged by those words.  I was inspired afresh to use my tongue to edify others, rather than speaking words that demean, belittle and injure.

Kevin

The surprises of life

Have you ever had a day that unfolds completely differently than the way you originally envisioned it?  This happened to me recently.  I had a day that significantly differed from how I planned it.  I’ll spare you the particulars, but there were three important stops lined up.  One event ended up taking most of the day; another stop was rescheduled altogether; only one ended up unfolding with a semblance of how it was drawn up.  You try to be flexible, and keep in mind that, for better or worse, things don’t always go as you planned that they would.

This is really a good lesson for life as well.  Barry Allen, on the TV show “The Flash” recently said, “Everyone secretly thinks they’ve figured out what their life is going to be like.  But what no one ever considers is that life has its own plans for you; whether you like them or not.  And so you are left with a choice: you can either embrace the change and move forward, or fight it and be left behind.”  I resonated with this quote when I first heard it, so I wrote it out and I refer to it often.  It’s true.  You think you have your life figured out, but something happens, and suddenly, the landscape of your life looks completely different.

If you’ve spent any time with me on this blog before, you know that I wholeheartedly believe in God’s sovereignty, that He is in complete control.  Furthermore, you know full well that I’ve had to rest on the notion of God’s sovereignty as I walk a path of heartache and loss that I never envisioned I would have to walk.  God, in His sovereign will, knew that my life was going to change dramatically in 2015.  But rather than angrily shake my fist at God, I find it’s better to bow to His will, even – perhaps I should say especially – if His will includes pain.  

Kevin

Thoughts on two weekend sports events

Last night was quite a memorable sports night!  To begin with, the Denver Broncos defeated the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football by a score of 29-10.  But that score is a bit misleading.  It felt like the final score was 39-3.  Denver dominated in every facet of the game.  The Broncos offense racked up over 500 yards; the Broncos defense limited that potent Packers offense to something like 140 total yards.  Aaron Rodgers threw for 77 yards (the lowest of his career).  In short, it was a great game for the Denver Broncos!

Some people might disagree with me, but I think that Broncos victory was a statement game.  Many didn’t expect Denver to win this game.  In fact, the Packers were favored to win.  My take was that the Packers were (and are) a very formidable opponent.  I saw this game as a chance to gauge just how good the Broncos really are.  They came out and played their best game of the year.  The Broncos made a clear statement last night.  They said that they are for real.  They said that they are a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

Speaking of world championships, congratulations to the Kansas City Royals!  They came from behind last night and ultimately defeated the New York Mets 7-2 (in 12 innings).  This win gave the Royals their first World Series victory in 30 years.  I’m so impressed with the Royals.  They never gave up, no matter how bleak things may have looked at times, they continued to fight to the end.  They showed such tenacity, determination, and perseverance.

Many have pointed to the Mets decision to keep pitcher Matt Harvey in the game in the 9th inning, when clearly the initial plan was to go to the bullpen.  Harvey talked his way into the pitching the 9th and he proceeded to give up two runs in that inning to tie the game.  It’s easy to assign blame now, but that’s only because of the benefit of hindsight.  The way I look at it, the Royals would have found a way to win, regardless of the pitcher they were facing.  They were relentless.  So, once again, congratulations to the Royals!

Kevin