Yearly Archives: 2014

Today I have been studying the Bible book of First John.  This was one of three letters that he wrote (the other two are much shorter – this one goes on and on for a few pages!).

I have noticed as I am reading, that John seems to be talking a lot about being righteous.  The Greek word (the language the New Testament of the Bible was written in) for practicing righteousness is paired with loving one another (I John 3:10). 

I know that I used to tell my children to always “do what is right”.  Often that just meant, “follow my rules.”  Of course, the implication is that I have a solid foundation in understanding what is right and wrong. 

For many of us, that foundation has been cemented in the idea of doing what our society considers to be the most honorable thing to do (and that is most often codified in our laws).  When societal norms change we adjust our idea of righteousness.

Which is where a Christian finds the most struggle.  The honorable thing for us is not expected to change.  John puts down the foundation that loving one another is righteousness.  Jesus answers the question of the laws that codify the honorable thing to do by saying “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength” and “Love your neighbour as yourself.”

Where does that lead?  Of course, that is the big question.  It does not lead to selfishness, accumulation for our own sake, stealing and lying, adultery, slander, malice, and a whole bunch of other behaviours that degrade others, disregarding others as made in the image of God.  I wonder if it also has to do with manners, and chivalry and other proactive approaches to enhancing others’ lives? 

Some of my meandering thoughts for the day!

For many years I have been encouraged to journal my thoughts, with pen and paper!  I have a great example of journalling in my father, who was an avid journal writer, particularly in the latter days of his life.  I began serious journalling in 1994. 

I can hardly believe that 20 years have gone by so quickly.  Seldom do I peak back into the writings.  Somehow the present moment seems to take enough of my time! 

My prompting to return to the journals is often accompanied by a similar situation arising in my life.  For the few occasions on which this has happened, I am amazed at how my current reactions have been rehearsed previously in the journal entries.

In that way, the journal is helpful.  Where the outcome is positive, the affirmation is helpful.  Where there is less than sterling past results, a recalibration may be needed.

Currently I am journalling through a few life transitions that have caused me stress.  My job role is changing, I have remarried after the passing of my first wife two and a half years ago, I have a teen at home after having been an empty nester for eight years.  Those are just a few of the transitions in my life.

I am eager to be two or three years down the road to see what my reactions are/were.  But, for the moment, I need to stop and journal!

As I awake each morning, I attempt to ride my stationary bike – for at least 20 minutes.

Somehow your body awakens.  Much as my early morning time journaling and reading the Bible awakens my spiritual conversation with God, my physical exercise awakens my mind to thinking, my body to action and my heart to a new day.

For all the wonky approaches to exercise, the body “ripping” that people show in videos and pictures, just a bit of activity for the muscles in the body is better than nothing at all.

In fact, maybe we need to start making exercise videos that show the usual daily routine.  I get out of bed because . . . I wander to the room where the bike is because . . . I pedal for a while because . . . and after a time of adjusting to this rhythm the “because” becomes “for the sake of.” 

This can apply to taking a walk, or finding a place where you are rested and can stretch your toes.  I guess it’s not so much what we will look like, but how we will be able to face the day with renewed energy that really counts.

There are days when we meet the sun and the rays examine our day.

Over this past while I have been journalling and seeking to understand each day as a new adventure.  In my journalling, I am finding that loss is a part of my life.  With that in mind, I have been listing my losses and seeking to find a way towards acceptance.

Now, many of these losses have been accepted over time.  The interesting thing of the human brain is that we store many pictures – and when we return to those pictures, we must also return to the context and the follow up that has happened in framing those experiences.

Although I can write of many losses, God has gifted me with each one.  Some have been fully opened and are on display.  But I am finding some that are still wrapped and have somehow been hidden for the last while.  As I open them, I am trusting the giver to shine his light on them.

As the light shines, the dark places will come to light.  That is the promise of a trusted giver.  That doesn’t mean that I am always eager to open the next gift.  A wrapped present means a new and unknown gift.

Again, the giver is the key!  And I lean heavily on past faithfulness and trust for these coming days in the giver’s love for me.