Day 13, August 21, 2011
Sorry this blog post is late but my wife and I took a whirlwind tour down to New Albany, Indiana yesterday to celebrate my Dad’s birthday. It truly was a great day because I totally surprised both my Mom and my Dad. My sister knew we were coming, which made it even more fun because we were able to coordinate getting to my parents house at almost the exact same time. When we pulled up, we got out, I let Leah, our dog, out, and she instantly ran to the door. Dad told me that he knew someone was there when Molly, Mom and Dad’s dog, started barking but he did not expect to see Leah waiting at the door. I really love doing surprises for my wife and all of those in our family. It is so great to see the unexpected joy on their faces when you give them a gift or visit they didn’t expect.
I especially enjoyed being able to come down and surprise my Dad because of what a wonderful role model and witness he has been in my life. My dad has helped me many times in my life when I was struggling with questions about life, Christianity, and relationships. He has always shown me an example of an authentic man of God and I have never wondered about the truth of God and Jesus because of my parents example in my life. I didn’t mind that we spent about the same time on the road as we did visiting yesterday because that precious time with my family was completely worth it.
I have never wondered if my parents would be there for me or support me in what I have encountered in life. I know I can count on them for encouragement, wise counsel, and gentle truth. Growing up they always made any friends or girlfriends I brought over feel completely welcomed and loved. I have always cherished that quality in my parents because I have confidence that they will love any guest I bring in the house as family, the same as they love me. I hope that my wife and I can continue to live our lives the same way.
The quality of love without judgment is one that I most admire in Jesus. He welcomed all that were hurting, hungry, seeking, or in need. He never judged them but instead welcomed them with open arms and offered to help them in their need. The only time Jesus seemed to judge someone was when they were living a lifestyle that was above loving and reaching out to others. Jesus lived an authentic life. Jesus drew crowds in by his compassion. He came to bring forgiveness and love to each person who came to him with a humble and seeking heart. He even died for each of us so we could be welcomed into His family if we accepted him as Savior and join Him in Heaven.
The pastor at my Mom’s church had been trying to find a way to avoid having to go to his neighbor’s party this past weekend. Each time the neighbor invited him, he would gently come up with an excuse for why he would not be able to make it. On the day of the party, all the many excuses that he had given seemed to disappear and he felt compelled by the Lord to attend. He took his family and they had a wonderful time though there were quite a few ‘characters’ in attendance at this party. You see this neighbor is known for his partying and this was not quite the place a pastor would want to be seen, especially with his family. As the pastor played horseshoes with a shirtless individual covered in tattoos, he asked the man what his story was. The man’s replay was, “I have done a lot of bad things.” The pastor felt that this was explanation enough for him and decided to keep the rest of his conversation strictly on horseshoes with the individual. You need to understand that there was something special about this party and a reason this pastor had been invited. He was not the only pastor at this party. Others had been invited too and for a purpose. As the party began to come to an end, the children were all told to get out of the pool and as they did the tattooed individual waded into the center of the pool. One of the other pastors joined him in the pool and this man was baptized in front of all the guest. My mother’s pastor was greatly affected by this proclamation of faith and brought to tears. Then to the joy and surprise of the rest of the guests of the party, the pastor’s neighbor also got in the pool to be baptized and saved that day.
I tell you this story because there will be many times in your life when you will not want to be a part of something due to your judgment of what an event is going to be like or how certain people are going to act. Because of this judgment you may have decided that you would not want to socialize or be seen at such an event or with those people. I write this as a warning to not underestimate the saving power of Jesus and his ability to reach even the burliest of characters. Never put God in a box and never assume that certain people are unreachable or uninterested. You never know how the Lord may be working in the heart and life of the person next to you. I hope that each of us will learn to live a little more like Jesus. I hope that we will openly welcome in those whom He brings into our path. I hope we will learn to love and encourage those around us and not be quick to judge and label them. I hope we will see the glimpses of our Savior Jesus in each person and realize that Jesus longs for them to join in the Kingdom with us in eternity.
I hope you will all trust Jesus each day to help you live in love and grace with those around you. I also hope that you will keep your eyes open to the many opportunities to reach out and love on people with the love of Jesus. You never know, today might be the day that they give their hearts to the Lord and you may be given the privilege to share a part in that!
Blessings,
Greg
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