being

tonight in small group (which really isn't so small anymore-awesome!) we discussed being generous with our entire being. i was really shaken by that concept. sure i tithe ten percent of my earnings, i serve at church by greeting, i try to be kind and help people when i can, but am i giving my entire being to the benefit of God's kingdom? what does that even mean? it is a concept that will challenge you if you try to take it on, and we should. all too often we get caught up in the notion that we are entitled to a good life by our standards; maybe that means an expensive house or car, lavish vacations, or maybe even just comfortable living. that kind of a life is by our standards and what we feel we deserve simply because we are alive and that is what we want. the bottom line is that our lives are not our own. we are stewards even of our own lives. every breath is a blessing from God and not guaranteed. we are to use our life, our entire being, to serve God. everything else is meaningless and fruitless when considering eternity, our home. in that sense, 'generous' takes on a whole new meaning. 

ponder this

just because something is, doesn't mean it should be

concrete

the silence here

evokes contemplation

of days gone by 

and days to come

gusting winds

rattle my windows

i wonder if it's strong

enough to carry me

where my dreams 

have gone ahead

to predict the breeze

is no more sensible

than predicting my

own path

so rather than 

granting silence

the ability to

lure my thoughts

to steering

let me be more sensible

i look up as i look down

i'm thankful for this concrete

 

how

the piano plays in my ears

as i remember his voice

as he said

so gently

open your eyes

there is so much good

you are blessed

now tell me,

he went on,

tell me all the good in your life

i refused to speak

he asked again

i spoke

i fought a smile

how does he always 

find a way

to be patient

to encourage

to always see the good

that i so easily ignore