For those who care

I am continually amazed at how God works in the lives of those who believe in and trust in Him.

Last night, I dashed off a quick post here just to reassure those who stop by here on a regular or semi-regular basis that despite my lack of of activity of late here that I am alive and reasonably healthy.

I just have not had that much to say lately because my attention has been diverted in so many directions...and I've always said that my blogging philosophy is that unless I feel I have something interesting to say, I will just keep my keys shut, and not say anything.

I was stunned that two readers actually cared enough to post on last night's throwaway entry. So I want to acknowledge and thank them today.

Mike, I'm glad you care. And knowing you, and the fact that we have some dear mutual friends, I'm not surprised that you would weigh in here. Thanks for showing your friendship. And you know what, today IS a day of joy for me....as is every day. Let me explain that.

I occasionally listen to sports talk radio...and the Sporting News network has a remarkable late night show...hosted by a man named David Stein. Unlike most sports shows that just kick around the same old tired takes about this athlete and that one, and why certain things should or shouldn't happen, Stein comes from a different direction.

He calls his show a "celebration of life through sports"...and he focuses on how our lives are enhanced by being sports fans. His intent is to, in his words, "get us off the bench and into the game"...it is a most refreshing concept, and were I still doing a regular talk show, I would want to do the same type of show.

Stein requires all his callers to open their conversations by sharing a good thing in their lives at that moment. It flabbergasts some callers who just want to vent about why Barry Bonds' home run chase is tainted, but....oh, well....Do we really need to hear from the 1,000,001st person who thinks Bonds is a "cheater", or do we want to hear about what's good in someone's life?

I don't know about you, but I prefer the latter...it's healthier for me.

Anyway, my point is bringing up Stein's show is that I heard a caller last night say that he wasn't really sure what the one good thing in his life was at that moment, but instead, he just said "it's all good". Why? Well, in his words, he had a job, which is more than some people I know have, he had an erratic car that got him from Point A to Point B, he was in good health, and he had a roof over his head, and a place he could sleep at night(also more than some people I know). He reasoned since he had all that, and some others didn't, that he was relatively blessed, which gave him joy. He credited Stein's show with showing him which way to look at his circumstances.

And that's how I feel, too. I don't have much, but I have all the things that that man has, and if he can be joyful, what's my excuse?

Besides, I also have the #1 source in the universe for ultimate joy, so there is NO reason for me to mope, complain, or fret.

Just for the record, I'm just now coming out of a situation where someone I put a great deal of time and energy(not to mention prayer and fellowship)decided that I'm no longer needed for the time being in their life. And yeah, that hurts...and yeah, that story's not over yet...there may be more being written even as I type...but would I want to trade places with that person? NO. As far as I'm concerned, I'm not the loser in that exchange. Because of Jesus, I'm the winner! And since I already have all I need(and plenty of good friends to share it with), I can declare my life a joy! So Mike, not to worry...this day(and every day I awaken)brings me joy!

And Sally(who's always brought me joy), thanks for the "welcome"...LOL! I know Sally cares, she has always shown care and concern for people ever since I first encountered her on the SGN message boards...her life has always been about caring for others, and I'm heartened that I'm included in that august group!:-)

To Mike and Sally(and the rest of my readers and friends), thanks for choosing to remain in my life...you all are big reasons why I'm able to retain my joy...in the face of demoralizing situations. And I know I'll always have all of you...no matter what. Too bad that some others cannot show the same kind of fidelity and devotion. In light of that, who is more blessed?

Oh...and thank you, David Stein, for your humble but worthwhile radio offering. What you do is one reason why I always wanted to be in radio...because you never know when you can be that diffference for someone to show them where to find the joy they should have in their lives.

To quote Buford Abner, "I've got it...you can have it. If you want it, you can get it..."

I may not always have everything I want, but I'll always have a song.

Checking in

If I don't post here once in a while, people might think I've disappeared, or worse, been the victim of foul play.

I don't have much to say this time out, but I wanted to let you all know I'm OK. A little battle scarred, but OK.

I won't relate the specifics of why I'm battle scarred, 'cause most of you don't really care, and I don't think it's fitting material for a public blog anyway.

I just wanted to check in with all you folks, and let you know I'm still here.

I'll be back when I have something important to say.

Page 2 of 2 pages  <  1 2