12
October 2002
Subject: Be Busy
Dear
Ones,
Recently someone asked me, "How do you and Leavon do all that you do?" I replied, "We just try to stay busy... and wouldn't want it any other way. Besides, it keeps me off the streets and out of trouble."
I
went on to add that "being busy and being productive are not necessarily
related", but since much of what we do is for others... we feel that it is
both helpful and productive. After all, according to what I read some place,
"We make a Living by what we get... We make a Life by what we give".
That
little conversation with the friend reminded me of the bumper stickers
that read, “Jesus is Coming — Look Busy!" While we know that
"He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead", this
bumper-sticker theology suggests that "looking busy" is the motive for
seeking his approval because Jesus is our judge.
"Look
Busy!" Somehow, I don't think that is quite right. I believe "Be
Busy" would be better. Patient, faithful serving, till our Lord returns
would be the best way. I, also, know that our busy-ness, work and good deeds
won't save us. Jesus alone saves!
We of faith believe that Jesus will, indeed, return one day... but when? According to the Good Book, "No one knows... only the father." Therefore, we are exhorted to stay ready for that fateful day and hour. Yes, it behooves us all to be ready. "Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come." Perhaps the bumper sticker should read: "Jesus is coming; may each be found faithful."
There's
an old saying, "We don't know what tomorrow holds, but we know who holds
tomorrow." If one accepts that, then I think it best that
we get up, get ready, and don't just LOOK busy because Christ is returning... we
need to BE busy for him.
Have
a GREAT day and keep the faith!!
Don
"You'll
have time to rest when you're dead."
~ Robert
De Niro ~
"The
question is not whether we will die, but how we will live."
~ Joan
Borysenko ~
“Our
care should not be to have lived long as to have lived enough.”
~
Seneca ~
"You
only live once; but if you live it right, once is enough."
~ Adam
Marshall ~
"The
purpose of life is to live a life of purpose."
~
Richard Leider ~
"I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know:
the only ones among you who will be really happy
are those who have sought and found how to serve."
~ Albert Schweitzer ~
The
Dash
by
Linda Ellis
I
read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
From the beginning... to the end.
He noted that first came her date of birth
And spoke the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years. (1934-1998)
For that dash represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth...
And now only those who loved her
Know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not, how much we own;
The cars...the house...the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.
So think about this long and hard...
Are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left,
That can still be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough
To consider what's true and real,
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger,
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we've never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect,
And more often wear a smile..
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.
So, when your eulogy's being read
With your life's actions to rehash...
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?