Today, I was reading some quotes of the day. One that caught my attention was this quote by Charles Schulz: "Sometimes I lie awake at night, and I ask, "Where have I gone wrong?"/ Then a voice says to me, "This is going to take more than one night.""
That *is* a funny quote, yes. But is it the right question to be asking, especially as a Christian? I certainly think not! I have gone wrong many places, many times. I have offended people without meaning to. I have hurt feelings and caused others to distrust me through poor choice of words. I have messed up during important tasks. I've done the same things we all have - sin. "For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." In my own life, I don't think my sins have been anything too bad. I've never committed a crime or seriously hurt anyone, I've never done anything normally associated with "bad people." But the Bible also says that *all* sins are equal in the sight of God... we all need a Savior!
Knowing that, I think the better question I need - we all need - to ask is "where have I gone right?" I thank God for all the blessings He has put in my life. I would begin to name the people I thank God for in my life, but it would be too numerous. So I'll just name a few of the wonderful people God has blessed me with in my life who I am truly thankful for - even if you're not on this list doesn't mean I'm not truly thankful for you, it just means I got tired of writing all the blessings God has given me!
So, I say to thank you to these people and many more:
To Emily Wilson - For your words of encouragement and strength, for the inspiration you are and the uplifting words of wisdom that you have spoken to me in love, not condemnation.
To Scott Walberg - For showing me that I can do all things God has called me to do, and that nothing in the world matters if something is the calling of God! He will equip His saints!
To Celeste Walberg - For making me smile and laugh, for always bringing joy to my day whenever I see you or hear from you, for constantly serving as a reminder of why God has sent me to this earth.
To Dan Brander - For being the best great uncle one could possibly ask for. For taking the steps God has called me to in your own life, and for serving as a living testimony of the greatness of His wonderful plan. For your love and prayers, and your warm, welcoming heart. For you :)
To Jack Gilpin - For being a light in the darkness on cold, depressing days. For always bringing a smile to my face and a song to my heart. For your realistic perception on life :)
To Jamie Woods - For your encouragement, your sense of humor, your prayers, and your willingness to be there. May God bless you wherever He takes you next!
To Ethan Long - For your testimony and your ability to keep an amazing sense of humor in the midst of the scariest, darkest things of life!
To Tessa Weyrauch - This one is hard, but I thank you for the many words of wisdom you have spoken into my life and for the ways that you have forced me to change and grow as a person!
To Elaine Brinckerhoff - For being there for me. You know when.
To Elder Arrott and Elder Whittaker of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints - For showing me what a truly Christ-like attitude looks like. I do not believe many of the teachings of your church, sorry guys... but there are quite a few things that just right about it. However, your attitude and love and kindness will never be forgotten by me - it truly is the attitude of Christ. An attitude that can be found anywhere people are sincerely seeking Him, not just in one building or one denomination. May God bless you in your travels and may the Truth of God's Word be revealed to us, all of us.
To Lauren Anne Hoff - For your insightful conversations and broadening my worldview outside of my little box :) You are loved and appreciated!
To Hannah and Abigail Wehrman and Becca Brander - For making me smile everytime I see you, and being some of the coolest little cousins a person could ask for :)
To Bryan Brander - For your words of intelligence, and growth, and thought!
To Thom and JoAnn Roberts - For your intelligent conversation, your loving wisdom, your kindness and compassion, your living example of a Christ-like life, and your incredible faith that just radiates and spreads to all those you are around. You are truly loved and appreciated!
To Hannah Wilson - Because no matter how much you and I may try to get on each others nerves and talk silly talk, I love you like a little sister I never had - and isn't annoyance half the point of siblinghood :) You are truly loved and if you ever need anything, I got your back :) And I know you'd do the same - that's the goodness of your heart. Until then we can keep on annoying each other and being goofy :-P
To everyone else who feels they belong on this list - I have a million more names I could type! I've just ran out of time.
Finally, to everyone who has not believed in me and who has not trusted me, or not thought me capable. To the teacher I had who truly did his best to tear me down. To several unnamed people who have not believed in me, have not trusted me, and have not thought me capable. To those who do not understand me, and who choose to misunderstand me. To those who see the Light of Christ in my words and get scared. And to those I may have hurt through words that did not reflect the Light of Christ, and then chose to remember my mistakes without forgiving or forgetting. I thank you for the reminder that you serve that I do not live to please men, but God alone. I try my best to live in this world in peace and harmony - spreading joy and Light. I don't always succeed, but neither do you guys. I choose to please my master, Jesus Christ. And I try. I'm not perfect, but each new day brings improvement and joy. Since none of us are perfect, can't we all just love one another?
So where did I go right to deserve all these blessings? I didn't - they're the love of a loving Father. All have sinned and fallen short... but He loves us anyway. I thank God for these blessings!
Love for y'all,
Mark
|
