We celebrated our 32nd wedding anniversary this past weekend, thanks. Spending two nights at the Santa Paula Inn, we rode in beautiful weather, and toured as far north as Solvang in between. Breakfast at Logsdons, watching the planes land at the Santa Paula Airport reminded us of how Steve McQueen lived his last days there, and how the sound of the single engine planes was almost like music. And how as we stood by the runway, no cops or fences, we were at peace just watching. And of course, now I want to move there, again.
The Santa Paula Inn is an old hotel, built almost 100 years ago. Renovated within the last ten years, it is a bed and breakfast, very reasonably priced and you can walk to downtown-because you are downtown. Where you are transported back 50-60 years to a time before malls, when local merchants fought for your hard earned dollar. And eating dinner at the Mupu Grill-best steak in years, we noticed for a Saturday evening things were quiet. As in many other places, we figured it was the economy, and there is some truth in that. But as the sun went down, and it became around 630pm, something magical happened. The town came alive. In a small town where the rumor might be they roll up the sidewalks after dark, Santa Paula came alive. The stores had customers, the chairs in the bellezas, or beauty salons were full, and the sidewalks were alive with people. Like the old song, "They Only Come Out at Night," the town was alive. Kids on skateboards and bikes, and it felt like Saturday morning, instead of Saturday evening.
And to this culture it was. For Santa Paula is a farming community. Lemons, oranges, and other citrus form the economy here. Hard working folks, who after working all day Saturday, got paid, and were off to do their shopping. Sunday, their only day off was tomorrow, so tonight they were busy getting ready for it. And since it was Valentine's Day then, even the lowliest farm worker was carrying a bouquet for his sweetheart. A simpler lifestyle, but a harsher one. Hard work with little reward, but a greater appreciation of a day off.
We sometimes think that working hard is the key to success. And that evening I was reminded that these wage earners were restricted by the hours they can work, and no matter how hard they toiled, were limited to what they could earn. Years ago, I decided to work smart, instead working hard. And a funny thing happened, I got more done, enjoyed it more, and had more free time. And even though co-workers saw it, still didn't change to my way of thinking. Where they could only do 8 hours work in 8 hours, I could do 12-15, and was less tired, and made more money. Working smart is definitely better than working hard.
Our relationship with God is like that also. We don't live smart, but think we have to perform. More church time, more prayer, and just give me 15 more minutes to read my Bible each day and I'll be a better person. And if that doesn't work, well there are so many programs available, seminars, and retreats-I'll take advantage of them. But really they are taking advantage of you. It was not hard work that saved you, or makes a relationship with Jesus worthwhile. It is obedience, living smart. Walking by faith. Trusting God, and as you get to know Him, enjoying life more. Finally realizing God is not impressed with your hard work-He won't love you any less, or any more-He wants you spend time with Him. Living smart.
God calls it living in the spirit, not under the law. The same law Jesus fulfilled by His death on the cross. How grace is the best way, and that grace is a gift. And mercy comes with it. Trusting God is living smart. And the fruits begin to appear, or sometimes the chaff disappears-blows away. As you get closer to God, stress, envy, lust, and other sinful displays of your old nature disappear. Ever met anyone who worked harder and had less stress? But Jesus puts it simple-take my yoke for it is easy. Yes, you may struggle-amen to that. And everything will not go your way-but it will go God's, and when you go God's way you will prosper. And truly walking in the spirit you will begin to appear careless, when really you are carefree.
Did you ever realize Jesus never hurried? He was never late. He didn't faint from hunger and thirst after 40 days in the desert. Try that, when some of you can't make it until break time for your next Starbucks. Trust God!
Remember it is not the problem, but how you handle it that is the important part. And Sunday morning at the Santa Paula Inn we were reminded of that. Usually a very quiet inn, it was alive at breakfast, and our room was next to it. Finally when it became too loud, Theresa talked with Christine, the manager, who gave us the deluxe suite the next night-at no additional charge. She made a smart decision, and we will be coming back because of it.
Start your day today by making the first decision your smartest-trust God. He knows your steps for the day, and has already planned a way for you to be blessed. Live smart, pray smart, listen smart, love smart. And follow Jesus-now that's smart. Blessed is what God calls it-because it is!
love with compassion,
Mike
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