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Reading is an act of relaxation for me.  I sit down, think along with the author (like a conversation), and perhaps have a new understanding of life.

A few days ago the phrase, “humility is more important than happiness,” struck me with force.  I wasn’t pushed back in my chair, but my brain cells went ballistic.

You see, as I look around this world, I’m constantly struck by bluster and arrogance, self confidence and boasting, pride and disregard for others.  Perhaps this has been accentuated by the Presidential campaign in the United States.  Perhaps I’m just getting older and realizing how little is achieved by strutting your achievements and accomplishments.  We’ll all die in the end and our tombstone will mark our life and death.

I am particularly embarrassed by white teeth and the proclamation that happiness is all the proud are seeking.  I don’t see it!!

What I do see is people who are kind, generous, and humble living in the memories of those they care for.  I do see is children attracted to gracious grandparents who don’t presume to give advice without first recognizing that they don’t know everything.  I do see a state of union that is achieved by the poor, the needy and the unassuming. 

And here’s the thing (a warning that this is not my own thinking – but that of Sarah Lebar Hall), humility is better than happiness.  In fact, humility will make the world a better place, God a better champion of your life, and you a better person.  As Sarah says (paraphrasing Paul, the apostle):

“I’m learning to be okay with operating at diminished capacity, operating with serious limitations, because when I am at my lowest ebb, God’s work through me is at its best.  My weakness gives God a chance to show up and show off.”

Four years ago today my first wife, Jill, passed away.  I miss her on this anniversary – 35 years of marriage leads to life patterns and reminiscences that cannot and should not be erased!

I don’t think Old Testament prophets were high on arrogance, being number one, or desiring to stick out in their culture.  They just felt they had a vocation to fulfil.  They were impelled to follow whatever God called them to do.

So, I’m reading Amos 3:7. 

“The Lord does nothing that he has not already revealed to his prophets.”

Pretty heady stuff if you have a big head.  Not so heady if you realize you might get killed for what you say.  I guess being a prophet has it’s good points and not so good points.

Amos was a contemporary to other OT prophets who did not have the easiest life.  No wonder we analyse them as depressive characters, or martyr complex.  Whatever our current psychological terminology – when a call from God is upon you, go for it.

Which brings me to the question for today.  Who are the prophets that God is speaking to today? 

If God is about to do something, who is the prophet telling us that God is about to do something? 

And don’t forget that Balaam was a prophet that God used, even though he was definitely not on the side of God’s people!  Daniel was a well revered prophet embedded in the government.  Ezekiel had visions that we still haven’t figured out.  Isaiah was a literary giant.

Hopefully we aren’t missing the prophets of our day!

Well, the house across the street is ready to demolish.

As of yesterday, I had the contents cleaned out and categorized.  An unexpected windfall!  There were 5 car batteries left in the house.  That was worth $55 at a local shop!

We will now begin the process of setting a time for demolition, alerting our neighbours as to when that will happen, and hopefully setting up lawn chairs to watch!

O happy day!