Communicating With Care
Human beings are more than mere animals; we have been made in God’s image. As persons we can communicate with one another with words—something animals cannot do. We use words like love and patriotism to share our ideas and emotions. Think of the hours we spend talking, whether in casual conversations about trivia or deep discussions about important issues.
A Life That Satisfies
In his book Facing Loneliness, J. Oswald Sanders writes, “The round of pleasure or the amassing of wealth are but vain attempts to escape from the persistent ache. . . . The millionaire is usually a lonely man, and the comedian is often more unhappy than his audience.”
A Mature Relationship
Moments of silence are often awkward in a new relationship, but not when that relationship has matured over the years. When I first dated Ginny, to whom I’ve been married for more than 50 years, we both felt ill at ease during rare periods of silence. But not today. We are comfortable being together without speaking, whether riding in a car or relaxing in our recliners at home. It’s as if an inaudible communication is going on. Each feels good about the other being nearby. Each feels free to speak or not to speak.
Pressed Close to God
The vines that sometimes grow up the side of oak trees cling to them during the fiercest storms. Although the wind beats upon them, the tendrils hold tightly to the tree’s bark. If the vine is on the side opposite the wind, the great oak is its protection; if it’s on the exposed side, the wind presses the vine more closely to it.
Commended and Corrected
Imagine 8-year-old Danny coming to bat three times in a Little League game. He strikes out twice and singles once. After the game, a famous major league player approaches him. “Danny,” he says, “I liked the way you hit that single and hustled to first. You’re going to make a good ball-player someday.”
A Matter of the Heart
I have a confession to make. From time to time old feelings of prejudice and intolerance well up within me. Even though I seldom express them, and never want to, these sinful thoughts still spring up in my heart.
Get on With It!
A college choir was all set to present its package of music in a large church. The program of sacred song was to be carried live by a local radio station. When everything appeared to be ready, the announcer made his final introduction and waited for the choir director to begin.
Funeral or Birthday?
If you visit some of the old New England churches, you’ll notice that many of them have a cemetery in the churchyard. The windows in the sanctuary are filled with clear rather than stained glass so that the pastor would see the graveyard as he preached. As he communicated his message to the congregation, a very serious message was being communicated to him.
Absolutely Trustworthy
A young paratrooper admitted that he had been frightened the first time he jumped. There was nothing but a big piece of fabric between him and death. What if that fabric accidentally tore apart? What if his ripcord didn’t work and the parachute failed to open?
