It's the same moon
Posted on August 28, 2010 by Pastor Tom
We’ve just returned from California. Thankfully, Alberta came through with a nice shocking reminder. It was 38 C in LA two days ago. Today it’s 11 here in the Edmonton area. Yes indeed we’re home.
A few nights ago in California, I noticed a full moon shining. It shone down on the millions of residents of that region. In discussion with various locals, I asked if they knew the population of the greater LA area. I received answers varying from 20–30 million. There are 88 cities in the region. Some, I’d heard of like Los Angeles, Anaheim and Santa Barbara. But then there’s Brea and Irvine along with 80+ more. With 20–30 million people, you get to experience the traffic that sized population generates. It was amazing to see multiple freeways all jam packed with cars.
On the way home from Edmonton International last night, we turned from Highway 2 onto the Anthony Henday freeway. There was us and about 2 other cars. And there was the brilliant moon, the same moon that shone over those 20–30 million Southern Californians.
It reminded me of the Lord. If we’re surrounded by millions or a few, He still has His eyes on us. May His constant presence comfort and guide you as you go into this new season of September!
What vacation might reveal about our hearts
Posted on July 30, 2010 by Pastor Tom
Vacations are supposed to be fun. The family gets away together to rest and refresh. Yet complaining often accompanies vacations.
Sometimes kids ask that question on everyone’s mind. “Are we there yet?” “No Johnny. See the new Hole’s Greenhouses? That means we’re still in St. Albert.” “Aw, I’m bored. It’s taking so long.” But kids aren’t the only ones to complain. Sometimes adults can complain too.
We recently returned from a cruise to Alaska. My Mom graciously took our entire family for some special times together. We enjoyed the scenery, wildlife and Alaskan people. We enjoyed the ship and some of its many activities. When asked “how was your trip,” I answer “Beautiful, interesting, educational, wavy and somewhat weird.”
Why weird? Well, there were 900 people on the ship who were there to work. These employees of the cruise line looked after our every need. It was wonderful but also a bit strange. When we walked down the hall, they put their backs to the wall to allow us to pass. When I tried to let one of them go before me through a crowded passage, they insisted that I go first. I began to feel like I was a king and they were my servants. I was very uncomfortable with that.
Most of these folks were from different countries. Many come from impoverished homes. They work 14–18 hours/day on the ship. They sign a contract committing themselves to work 7 days a week for 6 months straight. Then they receive 2 months off. They witness loads of food being wasted while people starve in their own communities. I often wondered what they were thinking as they witnessed all of the “kings, queens, princes and princesses” relax and recline.
Sometimes members of the “royal family” complained about their service. Oh, I’m sure some of the complaints are legitimate. But some were ridiculous. I sat beside some folks at the pool. One loudly complained that there were not enough coffee cups at the station he regularly went to. Another complained about the dinners (which I thought were wonderfully done). I felt like saying “you’ve got all this amazing beauty to look; gracious people serving you; food whenever you want it; you even have the means to go on a vacation that most of the world couldn’t dream of and you’re complaining about coffee cups?”
Yet the staff continued on. Whenever I asked how one of them were doing, they responded “Excellent, Wonderful, Great.” I’m sure many of them were. But I wonder if they tire of seeing people who have so much complain about some things so little.
Words out of our mouths can reveal much of what’s in our hearts. Jesus said “Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.” If complaints tumble out of our mouths while we’re enjoying the privilege of a vacation, it might be time for a heart check.
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