"The Next Chapter"

Do you enjoy reading a good book? I have developed a habit of picking up a book and taking a stroll through the table of contents. It is at that point that I will decide whether or not I will make the journey through the entire book. Sometimes, it fascinating to look at the next chapter and see what is right around the corner. Getting to the "next chapter" can be a wonderful experience or it can be a disappointing one.

"Turning the next chapter" of our lives can be much more challenging. Many young people from the gulf coast region affected by Hurricane Katrina are now in our local schools. They, along with their parents are trying to "turn another chapter in their lives." For many, that can prove to be of the most difficult times of their lives. It is certainly full of challenges.

I know of others who are challenged as they turn to the next chapter in their lives. For many experiencing divorce, it is a challenging time as they deal with all the complications that life can bring. Losing a spouse or close relative to death can also make the next chapter of their lives more difficult. Not only do they deal with the emotional loss, but sometimes the financial loss can be overwhelming as well.

At church, we have been focusing our attention on the season of Lent. Lent tries to prepare us for the next chapter that is ahead. During Lent, we focus upon many areas including the Passion of Christ and the death of Jesus on the Cross. If it ended there, it would be a most difficult and discouraging situation. Thankfully, the next chapter includes Resurrection! That's a chapter worth reading over and over again.

"No Name Road"

Have you ever felt like you lived on "No Name Road?" I've heard the testimony through the years from many people who felt like they lived in the dullest and most uninteresting place. They have said: "Nothing interesting ever happens here." As one who has lived much of my life in rural south Georgia, I can understand exactly how they feel. I can remember living twenty minutes away from the nearest grocery store. It's easy at times to feel isolated and alone.

I found it interesting that this road sign pictured above came from a street in the busy city of Stockbridge right down the street from a high school, middle school, elementary school, private school, and a fire station. It is located in one of the fastest growing counties in the United States. None-the-less, "No Name Road" is there.

In the early morning as we take the first cup of coffee for the day, we might well wonder what big things might happen today in our little world. The beginning of a new day brings wonder and anticipation. It also brings caution, concern, and even fear. Today is a day full of little things that occupy our time throughout the day. Giant things also have a way of coming our way just when we would least expect them.

While we might travel down "No name Road" today, we can rest assured that we have a name and it is special. God knows our name and has created us in his own image. Today can be a special day as we recognize the uniqueness of the time before us. Let us remember today the words of Robert Frost who said: "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference."

"A Lesson from Toby"

Do you have a pet? As I walk around my neighborhood, I fine very few homes that do not have either a dog, a cat, or both. Having pets has become big business for many people. There are Pet Stores, Pet Salons, Pet Supermarkets, Pet Groomers, Pat Kennels, and even Pet Motels. I was amazed several years ago when I went to Chastain Park to participate in a charity walk supporting Crohn's disease. So many people had their dogs with them. They had treats for the dogs and periodic water bowls all along the race route. One event that I attended had a dog contest at the beginning of the race.

Our dog is a Yorkshire Terrier named "Toby." His previous owner gave him this name from the country and western singer, Toby Keith. Like many Yorkshire Terriers, Toby is a high maintenance dog. One of the songs that Toby Keith made popular describes the temperament of our dog, Toby. It is entitled: "I wanna talk about me." Toby looks for three things: (1) he wants food, (2) he needs to potty, and (3) he wants to be loved. For a complex dog, he has very simple needs.

While drinking my cup of coffee and eating my bagel at breakfast, I am reminded that we have a similar need and desire to be loved. Even when we are having a troublesome day, we can know that we are loved by God. Maybe we can share that love with someone today!

"Seize the particles of Kindness"

There was a kind and gracious individual that I had the privilege to know and have conversation with over the past few years. His name was Derrek Palmer and he was one of the kindest individuals I've ever met in my life. He walked with a crutch and cared for his two small children. I would see him at the local elementary school as a parent volunteer. For a time, he was an officer in the PTO. He was always well dressed and he always took the time to speak. He would go out of his way to come up to me and engage in conversation. He would thank me for some of the things I was involved in through the school. His kindness always had a positive impact in my life.

While traveling on a road in south Georgia, Derrick was involved in an automobile accident. The word came that Derrick had died. I could hardly believe it. This 45 year old man who was so full of kindness, vitality, and caring, was now taken from us. I will truly miss my conversation with this fine gentleman.

It is easy to assume that everything will be the way it has always been. Sometimes it is difficult to deal the the "stones in the road" of life. The future is often uncertain and we are called to rise and meet the new challenges of the day.

As I drink my coffee today, I will remember the legacy of this fine individual. I am thankful that he has shared particles of kindness in my life. I believe that he has made a difference in the lives of many people. We would do well to seize the moments of kindness in our lives. Maybe today, we can have a positive impact in the life of someone we meet.

"A Journey to the Mountains"

The words from Isaiah 52 declare: "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, Your God reigns!"

While on vacation recently, I passed by some of the most amazing places.
There is such a beauty in nature as the handiwork of God surrounds us on our journey. There are tall mountains and deep valleys. There are rivers flowing between the mountains and there is a unique sense of beauty, majesty, and creativity. While traveling through this place of wonder, something else almost happened. I was very busy looking for the next major road and I almost missed the beauty around me. I was in a hurry to get to my destination and I was frustrated that the journey was taking so long. I almost missed the beauty of the moment.
How many times have we got busy in our normal activities doing many good and needful things? During those times, perhaps we have missed some of the special things that come along simply because we were too busy to see it. Someone has said, "Stop and smell the roses!" In our haste and our waste, that is good advice.

Take a moment or two to give thanks for the "little things" that come our way. Those "little" things might not be "little" after all!Enjoy a cup of coffee and reflect on those "little" things in our lives.