How far back can you trace your family history?
I know some people who are really into that and have spent a lot of time on genealogical research. And they actually enjoy it!
I think genealogy is cool, but I’m glad that I have family members who enjoy the research part. My eyes glaze over pretty quickly with too many details.
The only history that I can share with certainty by memory only extends to the the birth dates of my grandparents.
My personal history began December 24, 1961 in Abilene, Texas. My memories about that day are vague (ok, non-existent), but I know that’s the day I showed up.
I have no idea about the day my earthly sojourn will end, but I do know that it is inevitable. No matter how many precautions, vitamin supplements, medications, and essential oils I take, I’m terminal.
So are you. (Sorry to bring that up).
I have no idea about the day my earthly sojourn will end, but I do know that it is inevitable. No matter how many precautions, vitamins, supplements, medications, and essential oils I take, I'm terminal. So are you. Share on XHere’s what I know: God existed before I did and will still exist when I’m done.
In fact, His eternal nature means that He—unlike us—has no beginning and end.
Here's what I know: God existed before I did and will still exist when I'm done. In fact, His eternal nature means that He–unlike us–has no beginning and end. Share on XI read again this morning in Revelation these words God spoke:
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “the one who is, who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”
(Revelation 1:8)
A few verses later, Jesus shows up:
“He laid his right hand on me and said, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am the First and the Last, and the Living One. I was dead, but look — I am alive forever and ever …’”
(Revelation 1:17)
Here’s how The Message renders those two verses:
“The Master declares, ‘I’m A to Z. I’m THE GOD WHO IS, THE GOD WHO WAS, AND THE GOD ABOUT TO ARRIVE. I’m the Sovereign-Strong.’ … His right hand pulled me upright, his voice reassured me: ‘Don’t fear: I am First, I am Last, I’m Alive. I died, but I came to life, and my life is now forever.’”
I had an imaginary conversation with the Lord this morning:
Jesus: “Don’t fear.”
Gerry: “Yeah, right.”
Jesus: “No, seriously.”
Gerry: “Why?”
Jesus: “I Am.”
I know He was there with me in that hospital room almost 60 years ago and I know He will be with me whenever I draw my final breath.
And he’s right here in the messy middle (however long it is).
I spent most of last week in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina attending a conference.
He was with me there.
Early this morning my two-year-old grandson had exploratory surgery to determine what caused a lump below his left eye.
God was with Sweetie and me as we awaited the updates at home. He was with our son and daughter-in-law as they sat in the waiting room. He was with our little dude in the OR.
We got a good result (the one we prayed for), but the outcome was not evidence of God’s presence. He was with us. That reality would not have been diminished if we had gotten bad news.
Sweetie and I got our COVID booster shots this morning. If our bodies respond the same way as the previous shot, I’m going to be feeling crummy in a little while and she’s going to feel fine.
We don’t know how we’ll feel, but we know He’s with us either way.
Our stories—both in the past and in the future—are full of highs and lows, blind corners and breath-taking vistas.
The messy middle.
He always has been and always will be with us.
Our stories–both in the past and in the future–are full of highs and lows, blind corners, and breath-taking vistas. The messy middle. He always has been and always will be with us. Share on XBe amazing today, my friend.
