I have never seen the movie, but have heard it alluded to a lot. The
Bucket List. People seemed to be inspired by it. It seems now to be quite
fashionable to make of list of things to do before you die. And from the titles
in Barnes and Nobles, it seems to be catching on. 500 places to go before you
die. 200 cheeseburgers to eat before you die. Left turns to make while you
still can. And 365 motorcycles to ride before you die. All about us, or so it
seems. And you are supposed to fill the bucket with requests, then pull them
out until they are all done. Now I have dreams and desires like anyone else,
but I find the difference is while some dream, or daydream, I look for ways to
get ‘er done. Which is one of the three things that an employer looks for,
getting things done. The other two, since you asked are saving the company
money, or making it money. They have a list too. So while at Bible study last
week, our great teacher, told of how he planned to write his testimony for his
girls, so they would know what he was like before he got saved. Fair enough,
they had been raised in a Christian home and never saw how he used to be before
Christ entered into his life. His testimony was important to him, as he is
concerned about the next generation, and many raised in church are unaware or
blind to the real world. It is surely a blessing growing up in a Christian
home, but doesn’t necessarily prepare you for the real world. You don’t need to
get hit by a car to know it hurts, but knowing the after effects may change the
way you drive. But my question was, why wait? Or why bother to write it down?
How about an evening sharing testimonies, and letting the family know of the
past, of where you came from, and any past indiscretions. Keep it Christ
centered, without glorifying your past, and empty the bucket. One testimony at
a time. Or as Jesus said, don’t cover your light...
A few summers back while visiting with my parents in Jersey, we sat down
one evening and got the family histories, some good, some funny, some sad, and
much revealing why we are like we are, and why my parents are like they are.
And then spent the next afternoon looking at old slides of when I was younger,
and growing up. A blessed time for all, as the memories my parents shared were
precious. Stories with details, I listened to their testimonies of marriage,
having kids, careers, and getting old. Laughing, tears, and lot of joy. I
always wondered Uncle Such and Such was never mentioned, now I know. And I also
learned of the many sacrifices they made as parents, doing without so their kids
did, and saw love from a different perspective. One that made me appreciate
them more. Wish I had sooner. And I have shared with my kids about my
pre-Jesus days. You see your testimony begins the day you were born, even
earlier to God, He knew you before the womb. And it continues on today. But
many times we forget that, or neglect that, or wish to hide it. Don’t, but
don’t make it the focal point of your testimony.
A simple lesson we learned year ago was the two minute testimony. Most
kids kids have a two minute attention span, adults are worse. We don’t listen,
but we sure like to talk. So listen first, then reply. More important, and you
can pray while listening. Spend one minute sharing your past, all the bad.
Then 30 seconds of how you were saved. Then 30 seconds of how Jesus has changed
your life. And then answer all the questions they ask. Simple, don’t make it
difficult. Sometimes you need to be reminded of where you are by looking back
at how far you have come. Which is why I carry my Vacation 2012 pictures, my
time in Cardiac Critical Care. I never tire of hearing how good I look, but one
look at where I was is the biggest part of my testimony. And a chance to brag
on God, which is really our testimony, and who it should be about.
Don’t put off today what you should have done yesterday. Today was
tomorrow yesterday. Let your light shine, don’t keep it in a bucket, or under a
bucket. Let it shine, a reflection of Jesus Christ and His love. So many
roads, so little time. so ride often, and have fun. Enjoy life, for what good
is fun if you don’t enjoy it? And with Jesus, you should! As much fun as it
was looking at old photos, the real ones are still treasured within the heart.
An endless supply of 35mm film. Just waiting for a chance to be shown. Too
many make lists, while others are out doing. What is your testimony? I’d love
to hear. Get ‘er done, Jesus did.
What movies inspire you? The Wild One, and Easy Rider did it for me. Big
surprise, huh? Ride your own testimony, today.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com