Chaplain's Corner: 2012
Communication of Today
There are so many ways for people to communicate in today’s world. Party lines have been replaced by Facebook. Home phones have been replaced by smart phones that have more computing capacity than an Apollo space rocket. Email has replaced snail mail, and texting has replaced general conversation. I have actually witnessed people in the same room texting each other instead of talking. Have we lost the personal touch with other people?
I am blessed in so many ways, one being I am able to see on occasion the best communication of all. I get to watch as people talk without words, they speak heart to heart. It happens between a mother and her newborn child. I have also seen it around a hospital bed between siblings as a parent lays ill. Most recently it occurred between a sweet couple that was celebrating their 63rd anniversary. It is the most loving communication of all. My heart’s desire is to have that same communication ability with the Creator of heaven and earth.
Stress What Stress!
There is no doubt that most people in today’s workplace feel they are a tiny bit stressed. Most of the stress in our life is over issues where we have zero control. From big city traffic, to major world events, there is not much that we can do to change these things. What you need to decide is how much effort you want to spend on things you have no power over.
The prayer of serenity may need repeated. “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.” Another option I found printed on a billboard off I75. “Let it go!”
Deeper Roots are Important
I understand from those that are gifted with growing plants or reviving plants that I have owned, that winter is an important season. It is during winter that the roots of the plants are the focus of growth. During this dormant season the plant deepens its roots system into the earth. With a deeper root system the plant will not only be stronger, but is able to absorbed more nutrients during times of drought.
When we go through times of adversity in our lives, it is an opportunity to grow deeper and stronger. When adversity come to a box turtle it pulls itself back into its shell and hides, hoping the problem will pass. An eagle however takes flight during storms and is able to look at the danger from great heights. A different perspective can often show us different options we had not considered. When adversity comes in my life I am learning to look up to the Creator the one with the best perspective of all.
A Love for February
It is already February again, the month filled with love and chocolate candy. We are no more getting all of the treats out of the house from the holidays, and here comes another wave of sugar filled snacks. You can look in any store around town and find red and pink refills for your candy jar. That leaves me with the question, where do we go to get a refill of love? I am not referring to our love for chocolate; I am talking about our love for those around us. As we love those in our circle of friends and family it depletes our storehouse of love and caring. I am also aware that some people will drain you quicker than others. As I was traveling over Lake Lanier the other day I think I received my answer.
Winter in Atlanta means a lot of things; one is the refilling of Lake Lanier. Man in all his wisdom believes we are able to have control over anything we want to have control over. All summer long the lake level drops and we hope for rain that always seems to elude the North Georgia area. My thought is that while we open the gates of our heart rationing our love, we must wait on the Creator to refill that love just like God refills the lake. When that filling does happen we can look forward toward not only a full pool, but a cup overflowing.
Hide and Go Seek
For many of us the phrase “ready or not here I come” may bring a slight smile to our face. This is especially true if you were not the one yelling those words of announcement. On a rainy day these games were played around the house. They were also played on a large scale involving the entire neighborhood during the summer. The task was to wait quietly until you heard the words, “Olly-Olly Oxen in free.” At that point you survived that round and were not ‘IT’ for the next round.
The start of a new year is traditionally the time to proclaim, olly-olly oxen free over many areas of our lives. Eating habits, exercises, and reconnecting to old friends, are just a few examples. It is an opportunity to modify old routines and begin with a fresh start. One area I would like to challenge you to consider improving is your spiritual journey. I try to start each day with a new beginning and a better walk with the Creator of heaven and earth who is always saying “Come to me”.
