If ignorance is bliss, yesterday was the happiest day in a long time for a lot of people. And sadly, today will be just a happy a day as it was yesterday for even more. There is a law, the second law of thermodynamics that explains that things are in a constant state of atrophy or decay, getting worse-not better. And it is a physical law, and can be proved-which flies right in the face of opinion. No matter what you think. Put in a way that was popular on bumper stickers 30 years ago-"Today is a beautiful day-and I can guarantee someone will come along and screw it up!" So with that, "good morning-have a nice day!"
My friend Tim gave me a paperweight that says autograph your work with excellence. We used to talk how you only get one chance to make a first impression, and sadly some look at it as a rehearsal for failure. Joe DiMaggio, Hall of Fame center fielder and ex-husband of Marilyn Monroe, was asked after running out every ground ball why he did it. His answer may seem a bit self centered, but perhaps the lesson here is overlooked. He said "because maybe there is someone out there who hasn't seen Joe DiMaggio play before." And that was how he wanted to be remembered.
Put another way, good taste will never go out of style. Virgil Exner, designer of the Chrysler Forward Look cars of the late 50's, put it this way, "a well-styled car will make a man feel better at the end of a trip than at the beginning." Form before function, flying in the face of the second law of thermodynamics. but there is truth in what Ex said, and from travelling in cars, only when I can't ride, I find this true, and false. I can have a great trip, but why is it you only remember the jerk who cut you off in San Marcos? Or the old Pinto in El Centro spewing smoke in your face? Or the car going 50 in the fast lane, when everyone else is doing 75?
I find two key ingredients missing today, that I do remember from when I was younger. Kindness and courtesy. Hmmm, you think-been awhile, but seems I remember them too. I can remember going to a doctor's office, and him having compassion for me being sick. Telling my mother, "he'll be good as new in a few days," and hoping I was. Treating my mother's apprehension and worry, too. I can remember the vet leaving us alone with a dog we had to put down, obviously a loved pet, and giving us some last moments together. And how many hankies were you handed as a kid, and told it will be OK, and administered with the best medicine of its day, a hug. We are missing kindness today-just listen to the person yelling into their cell phone as they run into you at the store. Or in the car, fighting for the parking space 20 feet closer to the door, cutting you off. Is anyone tired of pushing 1 for English, and listening to the choices, when all you want to do is ask a question, that you know is not on the list?
For 2000 years Jesus has been showing kindness. And still does today. From the woman at the well, who He didn't condemn, but told "go and sin no more," to the thief on the cross in His dying moments, He showed kindness. He showed compassion, in going back for the 1 in 99 when it was lost, knowing that it might be you. He fed the 5000, not based on who they were, but on who He was, meeting the need, remembering that it is easier to listen on a full stomach. Now finally proved by our school breakfast programs. He knew all along that the best way to earn friends was to be a friend. And that in listening we learned-maybe that is why we can control our mouths, but not our hearing.
Today you may be taking a long trip, take Jesus along and arrive in better shape than when you left. Give up a parking space, and watch as a better one opens up. Smile instead of scold, hug instead chasten. You may be the only Jesus someone sees today, don't blow it. The blessings God has in store for that person, that Lazarus in front of you, may be disguised just for you in that moment. Don't miss it. Let your light shine, as Jesus says. But let it be reflected in an action of kindness. No high beams, showing your strength or knowledge, just a light for your feet, showing the path to Jesus in love.
You see without Jesus, we get it all wrong. Watch an NFL game, and watch as 11 men in need of rest, are watched by 50,000 in need of exercise. Second law. Hold open a door, give up a place in line, and show the kindness of Jesus. Give without prejudice, no matter what they ride, and find a whole new ministry for yourself-one of kindness, and hopefully not one of a kind. I can guarantee that you will meet someone today needing the love of Jesus, have your smile ready. That life you change just might be the one sent to ruin yours-it is true that love does cover a multitude of sins.
Let me tell about the one who did it for me. Are you thirsty, let me buy you a drink. Hungry, let me supersize it. Tired, sit here while I get it. Confused, tell me about it. Broke, let me share why I have with you. And lost, let me show you the way. No seminary can each that kind of ministry. It comes from the heart.
What He has done for others, He will do for you. Follow the example...with a smile. Next, go ahead, I'll wait. Only the love of Christ isn't affected by the second law-so stick with His first-love.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com