Glimpses of Truth

Not by Chance, Please!

A third grader sings her best in the spring performance at school, but her mom is not there with the other moms to hear such a splendid job.

A 12-year-old baseball player hits two home runs and two doubles in one Friday night game.  His dad is not in the stands with the other dads to share such a thrill!

The play-off game for the local high school football team ends up in a loss because the regular kicker isn’t at the game.

A tearful second grader receives a low grade on her picture because she fails to paint within all the lines.  Mom didn’t check the lines.

A proud graduate in cap and gown gives the valedictory address to his class.  Neither parent is there to share in his excitement.

A beautiful bride stands at the altar, but her dad is not there to give her away.

You see, someone crossed the yellow line, ran the red light, ignored the stop sign, or fell asleep at the wheel.  It was a terrible accident.  It made the front page of the local paper.  Someone decided of their own choosing (an accident?) to become intoxicated with alcohol or high on drugs and then drive.

These stories are just a drop in the bucket as to what actually takes place somewhere in our country every day.  How sad!  An accident?  We are creatures of habit, but we are also creatures of choice!

If certain things are present in our daily functions, then our choices will be reflected.  After all, we only choose and do the things that tell who we are.

So, what are some things that will help us in who we are?  All of us have many decisions to make each day, whether we’re 18 or 80.  There are not many good things that happen by accident!

Webster says that an accident is “an unexpected and undesirable event.”  We don’t like or want those things, so we must work to prevent such so-called accidents.  We must work on who we are!

Try being grateful.  Everybody that I’ve ever met who is ungrateful is crossing the yellow line in one way or the other.  They are hurting themselves and destroying someone else.

Try being alert.  Regardless of who we are or how strong and successful we’ve been in the past, we are not guaranteed success in the future.  So, I must be aware not only of the enemy but also of the Victor.

Then, try being enriched.  In this life of trial and disappointment, quite often the bucket runs dry.  We lose our enthusiasm, purpose, zeal and determination about life and, as history shows us, often many give up and give in.

I don’t know about you, but I see the need to be renewed and enriched.  I need your prayers.  I need to be sure I'm being fed by God’s Word.  I need to be sure that I work at who I am and do not allow my life to be controlled by accidents.  I’m trusting in the One Who is in control.