Park Bench People

By Joses James

Running a race

In a race, you're thinking, will I make it? Can I meet the timing I had set?

Songs, memories, thoughts... Am I in the wrong race? Am I in the right race? Who can tell me?

Who's cheering you on? Who do you see? Actually there are others that you don't see, but they are there.

Put in your heart, soul and mind. Strength and creativity. All to bear.

Balance is the key. Keep the fellowship or lose it. Find solace where it's available, not where it empties your heart.

Yeah.

The Word, the Man, the Way

Reading the crucifixion in a matter of minutes while remembering it was a whirlwind sequence of events. Imagine you're one of the disciples and Jesus tells you, I'm going to die. Imagine you're a bystander witnessing Jesus tried by the Sanhedrin. Remember the parables He told just before those God-willed events.

Did Jesus know exactly how everything would pan out? From the rooster crowing to His betrayal to His crucifixion to resurrection to rising to glory??

Internal struggles with obedience and choices, external stoic facade--at least that's what many of us imagine--and an unwavering focus towards the cross and everything it stood for.

The Parable of the Talents (or Bags of Gold as translated in the newest NIV) speaks of 2 men that received resources and were faithful in getting to work right away and being fruitful and also confident about it! Who doesn't want to be like that?

The Parable of the Wicked Servant and the account of the Sheep and the Goats speak of having mercy and love. Who prays often to be able to love but feels he's not measuring up to it?

Wherefore does it start a change, a switch, a shift, a deviation from habits and standard practice? Change is born of a desire to...well, change. If not, it's forced by circumstances.

Gotta keep reading, keep meditating and living in joy and fulfilment.

Let it be.

What sets you apart?

Money? Possessions? Yesterday I spied a young chap in his 20s driving a sports car. Capability? What makes a leader a leader, able to effect, to decide on goals and get the results in spite of the problems?

Faithfulness. If the world were to close its eye, what would you be up to? Being sharp. Am I putting in my heart & mind, anticipating, planning and endeavouring?

Being dependent on God. Like totally. Not just words leaving one's lips, but a true attitude and way of life. Determining, listening, following and producing.

Things To Do abound...by the dozens of dozens of dozens. Am learning to prioritise.

Desire drives action. What are you looking for? What do you want to achieve?

Faith is...stretching out to grasp His hand.

So stretch.