When Change is not Coins (what are we doing?)

Coins or something else? What is Change?

We instantly think of coins when we hear the word change, if we are in a transaction. However, the word change, often times in this life, has nothing to do with coins. They say with age comes wisdom. I am unsure about that as I look around, but it certainly brings reflection. As I sit here this morning planning my day, I think of my little grandsons. What do they consider when they look around? All they know is purity; all they know is love. Why does that have to change? Why must we create such ugliness and division as we age? God never intended it to be that way. Humanity did that, not God.

Change or Busy: Do I really have time?

We get so busy these days and tend not to look at what is happening right before our eyes. I have referenced the song “Stop and Smell the Roses” before in a few of my writings. The entire concept of that song is that we should take the time to look at the gifts around us rather than be so busy that we miss out on the blessings we have. 

While indeed, this is a great song and a catchy tune. It gets stuck in your head for a while if you know it. But think of the message here. Are we too busy? Is that really true, or have we created such a thing? I look at my little guys and think that provisions are needed and that working to provide for them is necessary. However, care, love, and instruction are much more valuable. We see tragedies reported daily. So often, when the history of the situation ultimately comes out, we learn of the dysfunction, disharmony, abandonment, and the list goes on and on of what happened in this person’s life. 

Do any of these reasons ever justify the horrific actions they did? Absolutely not, but if we would take a moment and “stop and smell the roses,” then I believe we would begin to see life as a blessing, as a gift. It used to be that everyone was trying to “keep up with the Jones,” but now it seems that many want to figure out how to “eliminate the Jones.” The changes that have taken place in my lifetime are almost overwhelming. But, unfortunately, while modernization always comes, much of what we see coming forth is not for the betterment of humanity.

Take the time to consider

Friends, it is time to look deeper. It is time to stop giving social influences and harmful fads a place in our life. While the culture around us will continually produce new ways to push the envelope, may we always remember that it is not culture or society that gives life, but rather our Creator. Scripture is clear, Jesus came to give life and it more abundantly. Unfortunately, what we see happening around us never seems to provide but only steals, kills, and destroys. 

Reflection time: What is really important in this life? It is time to “stop,” it is time to appreciate the “roses,” look at their beauty, “smell” them, savor the moment and “count our blessings” every single day. Do not let the things of this world keep you from seeing the goodness of God. 

Do you feel too busy? Remember, only you can change that. In the Book of James, we read: “Life is but a vapor, here today and gone tomorrow.” A thief desires what is not theirs. The enemy wants to steal your life. 

Remember this; he did not give you that life; therefore, it is not his to take.

Reality

 The horror of almost everything today makes life an even harder struggle. However, it truly depends on the lenses you look through that determine the picture you see. So make the most of every moment. The smile of a baby, the laughter of a toddler, the song of the birds outside your window, the gentleness of a summer breeze, the wisdom of your grandparents, the proud tears cried over your graduating child, and all the other things that could fill this page. 

God is good, and He always will be. So don’t stop smelling the roses, don’t stop looking up; our best days are ahead. 

Have a great day

Pastor Andy 

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