Have you ever put yourself in the place of someone else and tried to experience what they experienced? Live how they lived? Suffer like they suffered?
As I considered today's holiday, I took some time to review the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. especially during the years 1955-1968. Can you imagine being King in those days? What would it have been like to not be able to sit at the lunch counter at Woolworth's and be served a sandwich and coffee? What would it have felt like to be persecuted and oppressed? What would it have been like to stand in front of throngs of people and share "I Have a Dream?" What would it have felt like to be arrested for leading a freedom march? How would It feel to constantly live in danger?
It is a good exercise to contemplate in some little way what Martin Luther King experienced while on this earth. I know I've been guilty of glossing over holidays, but not really taking time to consider the life we honor. King brought to the world's attention how unfairly blacks were treated. He helped millions of Americans, standing up for rights for the African-American people.
In March, 1968, King went to Memphis, Tennessee. Black garbage workers were on strike there and King wanted to help them win a pay raise. He planned to lead a march, but a riot ended the march. He went back to his home in Atlanta, but felt he had given in to the violence. So King went back to Memphis and began another march. On April 3, he made his last speech there. He was murdered April 4th, as he sat on the balcony of his motel in Memphis.
A tape recording was played at his funeral from part of the last sermon King had made in his church. In speaking about his death, he stated "I'd like someone to mention that day that Martin Luther King, Jr. tried to give his life serving others....I want you to be able to say that day that I did try to feed the hungry. I want you to be able to say that I did try in my life to clothe the naked. I want you to say on that day that I did try in my life to visit those who were in prison. And I want you to say that I tried to love and serve humanity." Would someone be able to say these things at our funeral someday?
We may never be confronted with the same level of suffering and persecution that Martin Luther King, Jr. experienced. But we deal every day with people. Oppression can be anything from physical attack, bullying, negative words, judgments and constant put downs. When we are oppressed, how do we choose to deal with it? Martin Luther King chose to make a difference in spite of the oppression. How can you follow in His footsteps this day?
"Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety." Proverbs 29:25
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." Martin Luther King, Jr.
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
Monday, January 20, 2014
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
The Legacy of Lauren Bump
I didn't know Lauren Bump, the 24-year old graduate student, who happened to be running in an area park on New Year's Eve and was stabbed to death. Her story has captured the hearts of many of us in San Antonio and around the country. Lauren was working toward her Physician's Assistant degree at Harding University in Arkansas. She had done missionary work in Guatemala and desired to use her talents to help those less fortunate with medical needs. I just don't get it... a precious life cut short.
Even though I never met Lauren, I attended her funeral at our church. Lauren's funeral was a celebration of her life here on earth. Those family and friends near her, knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that upon her death, Lauren was in the presence of Jesus. They knew that she had lived her life for Christ and now, she would see Him face to face. That's worth celebrating! But in the midst of this truth, there was also so much sorrow. The loss of an innocent life. The sting of a life cut short. The loss of a daughter. Sister. Friend. Fellow student. Missionary. Loss is unspeakably tragic. Life will forever be different for those left behind.
During the funeral, several of her close friends read Lauren's blog dated November 16th, entitled "Success." Lauren contemplated how her definition of a successful life had changed over time. She stated "It is often seen as a summation of all of our achievements; the number of degrees you've attained, how much money you make, how prestigious your job position is compared to the average Joe, the type of car you drive, how nice of a house you have, how expensive your wardrobe is, or even how many kids or friends you have." (labump.blogspot.com) Lauren then shared how, during an 18 month period after college, that the Lord began to show her about true success. She lived at home, became a youth group leader at her parent's church, and held several different little jobs. She wrote "It would be very easy for anyone to look at me at the time and think that I was one of those that never amounted to anything close to being successful, but what they didn't know is how God changed my heart and brought me to a dry season not for my glory but for His." I'll let you read her blog spot for the "rest of the story." Suffice it to say that Lauren knew true success.
Lauren's funeral changed me in several ways. It reminded me of the brevity of life and loving people well. What if today was the very last day you would see your loved one? What would you say? How would you treat them? So often, we can bear grudges, live in unforgiveness, hold on to an offense and miss loving people really well. Then, one day, they die. Unexpectedly. Without warning. And we feel remorse, for not saying enough "I love you," For not making wrongs right. For not telling people what a difference they made in our lives. The night of Lauren's funeral, I called my brother and left a message. With tears in my eyes and a shaky voice, I just shared with him how much I love him and shared my remorse for how rarely I tell him. He called the next day and thanked me. Sweet. Funerals have a way of affecting us. Don't they?
"You were made by God and for God. And until you understand that, life will never make sense." Rick Warren
The true way to living a successful life is finding how to live one in JOY: 1. Jesus 2. Others 3. Yourself. Yes, yourself, is put very last." Lauren Bump
Nancy Abbott in the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
Even though I never met Lauren, I attended her funeral at our church. Lauren's funeral was a celebration of her life here on earth. Those family and friends near her, knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that upon her death, Lauren was in the presence of Jesus. They knew that she had lived her life for Christ and now, she would see Him face to face. That's worth celebrating! But in the midst of this truth, there was also so much sorrow. The loss of an innocent life. The sting of a life cut short. The loss of a daughter. Sister. Friend. Fellow student. Missionary. Loss is unspeakably tragic. Life will forever be different for those left behind.
During the funeral, several of her close friends read Lauren's blog dated November 16th, entitled "Success." Lauren contemplated how her definition of a successful life had changed over time. She stated "It is often seen as a summation of all of our achievements; the number of degrees you've attained, how much money you make, how prestigious your job position is compared to the average Joe, the type of car you drive, how nice of a house you have, how expensive your wardrobe is, or even how many kids or friends you have." (labump.blogspot.com) Lauren then shared how, during an 18 month period after college, that the Lord began to show her about true success. She lived at home, became a youth group leader at her parent's church, and held several different little jobs. She wrote "It would be very easy for anyone to look at me at the time and think that I was one of those that never amounted to anything close to being successful, but what they didn't know is how God changed my heart and brought me to a dry season not for my glory but for His." I'll let you read her blog spot for the "rest of the story." Suffice it to say that Lauren knew true success.
Lauren's funeral changed me in several ways. It reminded me of the brevity of life and loving people well. What if today was the very last day you would see your loved one? What would you say? How would you treat them? So often, we can bear grudges, live in unforgiveness, hold on to an offense and miss loving people really well. Then, one day, they die. Unexpectedly. Without warning. And we feel remorse, for not saying enough "I love you," For not making wrongs right. For not telling people what a difference they made in our lives. The night of Lauren's funeral, I called my brother and left a message. With tears in my eyes and a shaky voice, I just shared with him how much I love him and shared my remorse for how rarely I tell him. He called the next day and thanked me. Sweet. Funerals have a way of affecting us. Don't they?
"You were made by God and for God. And until you understand that, life will never make sense." Rick Warren
The true way to living a successful life is finding how to live one in JOY: 1. Jesus 2. Others 3. Yourself. Yes, yourself, is put very last." Lauren Bump
Nancy Abbott in the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
Become a Better You!
How many New Year's Resolutions did you make this year? New Year's Resolutions can be a good thing...if they're kept. But often, resolutions are simply wishful aspirations that lasts until the end of January. However, I do think it's important to consider our personal lives and how we've lived this past year. The new year is a wonderful time to pause and think about the direction of our lives. Where we've been. Where we're going. It's so easy to allow the calendar to flip over to 2014 without even a thought for quiet reflection.
Over the course of this last week, I've done some needed evaluation of my life. I've looked at my marriage, my work, my relationships, my relationship with God, my extra-curricular activities, my character, and more. I realized this time of evaluation was critical for me as I desire to grow in mind, body and spirit. I've looked at some specific areas of my life that need to grow in the coming year and set some specific goals. By God's grace and help, I will make progress in 2014.
We don't often take time to be quiet...and reflect. How we miss out! Here's a challenge. Take one hour out of your life in the coming week to do just that! You could use some of the following questions to help guide your time: What one thing could you do this year to increase your enjoyment of God? What 3-4 character qualities require focused attention this coming year? (more patience, love, grace, kindness, better listener are some ideas...) What have been your biggest time wasters in 2013 and what will you do about it this year? How do you want to make the biggest difference this year in your life? What relationships in your life need the most work? What will you do to work on them? Who do you need to forgive that you haven't? What's the most important decision you need to make this year? What areas of your life most needs simplifying, and what's one way you could simplify in that area? What is the one person you most want to encourage this year? What habit would you most like to establish this year? What's the single most important thing you could do to improve the quality of your work life this year? What one thing do you most regret about last year, and what will you do about it this year? (Many of these questions are taken from Don Whitney, Ten Questions to Ask at the Start of the New Year, Online)
I want 2014 to count. I want to make a difference. I want to be the best I can be. Don't you? God delights in partnering with us to help us grow to become better people. Why not carve out that hour in the next week, snuggle up with a cozy blanket, a fire in the fireplace and a warm cup of coffee? Take some time for reflection. Become a better you.
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
Over the course of this last week, I've done some needed evaluation of my life. I've looked at my marriage, my work, my relationships, my relationship with God, my extra-curricular activities, my character, and more. I realized this time of evaluation was critical for me as I desire to grow in mind, body and spirit. I've looked at some specific areas of my life that need to grow in the coming year and set some specific goals. By God's grace and help, I will make progress in 2014.
We don't often take time to be quiet...and reflect. How we miss out! Here's a challenge. Take one hour out of your life in the coming week to do just that! You could use some of the following questions to help guide your time: What one thing could you do this year to increase your enjoyment of God? What 3-4 character qualities require focused attention this coming year? (more patience, love, grace, kindness, better listener are some ideas...) What have been your biggest time wasters in 2013 and what will you do about it this year? How do you want to make the biggest difference this year in your life? What relationships in your life need the most work? What will you do to work on them? Who do you need to forgive that you haven't? What's the most important decision you need to make this year? What areas of your life most needs simplifying, and what's one way you could simplify in that area? What is the one person you most want to encourage this year? What habit would you most like to establish this year? What's the single most important thing you could do to improve the quality of your work life this year? What one thing do you most regret about last year, and what will you do about it this year? (Many of these questions are taken from Don Whitney, Ten Questions to Ask at the Start of the New Year, Online)
I want 2014 to count. I want to make a difference. I want to be the best I can be. Don't you? God delights in partnering with us to help us grow to become better people. Why not carve out that hour in the next week, snuggle up with a cozy blanket, a fire in the fireplace and a warm cup of coffee? Take some time for reflection. Become a better you.
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
Monday, December 30, 2013
Christmas Day Epic Meltdown
There's something about Christmas Day that gives us freedom to slow down, chill, hang out with those we love and eat way more than we should eat. It's Christmas! It's one of those days we have permission to be super lazy all day long, with no repercussions. I have a feeling the Spurs thought so too! They forget they had to work on Christmas Day. Epic meltdown at home against the Houston Rockets.
I'm sure Coach Pop had a nice cozy fireside chat with his team in the locker room that night after the game. Looking back to evaluate what went wrong that night and how the team can improve is not a bad thing. It's necessary. But, if the Spurs focused on that really horrible Christmas day game, they would just be groveling in the past. They have to learn from their mistakes, while looking forward and planning for future games.
As we count down the last days of 2013, it would be wise for us to do the same. Take time to look back and evaluate this past year. Consider these questions: 1. What are the 2-3 themes that personally defined 2013 for me? 2. What people, books, accomplishments, or special moments were highlights in 2013? 3. Give yourself a grade from 1-10 in the following areas of focus for 2013: vocationally, spiritually, family, relationally, emotionally, financially, and recreationally. 4. What 2-3 things have I been putting off that I need to move forward with?
Why not consider taking time to think through the above four questions? Evaluating the past year can give us direction for how to move forward in 2014. Take time this week to thank God for this past year. Every day of our life is a gift to be cherished. We are not promised tomorrow. Lastly, look forward to the year to come. Begin thinking about what you'd like to see happen in your life in 2014. Anticipate and smile at the future, knowing that it is ultimately God who holds your future.
"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:18-19
"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. but one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
I'm sure Coach Pop had a nice cozy fireside chat with his team in the locker room that night after the game. Looking back to evaluate what went wrong that night and how the team can improve is not a bad thing. It's necessary. But, if the Spurs focused on that really horrible Christmas day game, they would just be groveling in the past. They have to learn from their mistakes, while looking forward and planning for future games.
As we count down the last days of 2013, it would be wise for us to do the same. Take time to look back and evaluate this past year. Consider these questions: 1. What are the 2-3 themes that personally defined 2013 for me? 2. What people, books, accomplishments, or special moments were highlights in 2013? 3. Give yourself a grade from 1-10 in the following areas of focus for 2013: vocationally, spiritually, family, relationally, emotionally, financially, and recreationally. 4. What 2-3 things have I been putting off that I need to move forward with?
Why not consider taking time to think through the above four questions? Evaluating the past year can give us direction for how to move forward in 2014. Take time this week to thank God for this past year. Every day of our life is a gift to be cherished. We are not promised tomorrow. Lastly, look forward to the year to come. Begin thinking about what you'd like to see happen in your life in 2014. Anticipate and smile at the future, knowing that it is ultimately God who holds your future.
"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:18-19
"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. but one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Gracie Lou and Christmas Shenanigans
Gracie Lou, our 12.5 year old English Springer, is up to her Christmas Shenanigans once again. With a recent diagnosis of liver cancer, we have most certainly walked through some sad days lately. Gracie Lou, however, is determined to keep us laughing and make this Christmas memorable. She will not be outdone. Just yesterday, I spotted a 9x13 plastic container of recently baked gingerbread cookies down on the floor, near the doggie door. I assume she was masterminding an exit strategy through the door, but hit a major loophole. Or should I say, too small of hole?
Of course, having spent 11 Christmases with Gracie Lou, I can recall countless Christmas mischief. How about the year that I had a beautifully wrapped gift box of goodies from Knott's Berry Farm, only to find the pancake mix box contents spread all over the floor? Or how about the time(s) where she got into the entire gift box of chocolates? Of course, doggies and chocolates don't do well together, so we've seen more than one holiday trip to the vet for these misdemeanors. I learned early on that I couldn't place any gifts under the tree until Christmas, because she thinks ALL the gifts are hers and proceeds to open each one.
So, yesterday, when I saw the cookie container by the doggie door, I folded my arms together and just stared at her. (trying not to smile) Her low-hanging head demonstrated her remorse and guilt. She knew full well what she had done. She slowly did a 180 and proceeded to slink out of the room. Of course, Gracie Lou gets lots of grace these days.
Sin is a crazy thing. We know we are wrong at times, but try our best to cover up stuff. Sin management. We want to hide our guilt and mistakes...as if they didn't happen. Our bad stuff. We want to tiptoe out of the room, just like Gracie Lou and make like we didn't do what we did. Mean to our spouse. Stretch the truth. Cheat. Gossip. Judge someone else. Treat someone with a lack of respect. Hold a grudge. And somehow, we can make like our actions are acceptable.
God hates sin. God loves us. That's why we have Christmas. He loved us so much that He wanted to make a way for us to have a full and open relationship with Him. I made that decision years ago to accept Christ as my Savior. I now get it. I'm still going to sin until my dying day. But now, I can go to God and ask forgiveness. And you know what? He will always forgive me, because of my relationship with Christ. Always. He will do the same for you as well.
Gracie Lou's shenanigans remind me of my own propensity to sin. She also reminds me of God's grace. I will continue to extend to her the grace that I have received from God. What else is there to do?
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
Of course, having spent 11 Christmases with Gracie Lou, I can recall countless Christmas mischief. How about the year that I had a beautifully wrapped gift box of goodies from Knott's Berry Farm, only to find the pancake mix box contents spread all over the floor? Or how about the time(s) where she got into the entire gift box of chocolates? Of course, doggies and chocolates don't do well together, so we've seen more than one holiday trip to the vet for these misdemeanors. I learned early on that I couldn't place any gifts under the tree until Christmas, because she thinks ALL the gifts are hers and proceeds to open each one.
So, yesterday, when I saw the cookie container by the doggie door, I folded my arms together and just stared at her. (trying not to smile) Her low-hanging head demonstrated her remorse and guilt. She knew full well what she had done. She slowly did a 180 and proceeded to slink out of the room. Of course, Gracie Lou gets lots of grace these days.
Sin is a crazy thing. We know we are wrong at times, but try our best to cover up stuff. Sin management. We want to hide our guilt and mistakes...as if they didn't happen. Our bad stuff. We want to tiptoe out of the room, just like Gracie Lou and make like we didn't do what we did. Mean to our spouse. Stretch the truth. Cheat. Gossip. Judge someone else. Treat someone with a lack of respect. Hold a grudge. And somehow, we can make like our actions are acceptable.
God hates sin. God loves us. That's why we have Christmas. He loved us so much that He wanted to make a way for us to have a full and open relationship with Him. I made that decision years ago to accept Christ as my Savior. I now get it. I'm still going to sin until my dying day. But now, I can go to God and ask forgiveness. And you know what? He will always forgive me, because of my relationship with Christ. Always. He will do the same for you as well.
Gracie Lou's shenanigans remind me of my own propensity to sin. She also reminds me of God's grace. I will continue to extend to her the grace that I have received from God. What else is there to do?
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
Christmas Frenzy!
The Christmas frenzy is upon us. Crowded airports. Long lines in the stores. Early morning shopping deals. Wrapping and exchanging gifts. Christmas parties. Perhaps, I feel the frenzy most when I dare to join the throngs and go Christmas shopping. As I exit the mall, I get a kick out of stealthy cars, hoping to score a close parking spot by following close on my heels to my car.
Yesterday, I was shopping in Boerne with a friend and we came upon a variety of nativity scenes. As I looked at each one, I was captivated by the simplicity and ruggedness of the manger scene. Three wise men. Mary and Joseph. The baby Jesus. A camel, sheep and manger. Barns for the most part, aren't real cozy, warm and comfortable places. No curtains. No couches or beds. No heaters. No decorations. No lights. The birth of the baby Jesus in such a place seems a far cry from how Christmas is depicted today.
The baby Jesus could have been born in a shopping mall. But He wasn't. Or on a subway in Manhattan. Or Michigan Avenue in Chicago. Or Hollywood on a hill. But He wasn't. God chose a simple manger, far from civilization for the birth of His Son. Jesus' birth characterized his entire life, one of humility. His life was not about getting a name for Himself. Jesus' life was about glorifying His Father in life as well as death. We would do well to follow Jesus in His character and actions.
Take a look at a nativity scene this week. Stare at it for a while. Allow yourself time to walk into the manger. Hear the sounds from the barn. Feel the cold and wind leaking through the old barn cracks. Move close to the manger and look intently on the baby Jesus. Hear his cries. Look at the wonder and amazement on Mary and Joseph's faces. Feel what they must have felt. Jesus' birth is one amazing miracle.
Could it be that the Christmas frenzy hinders you from contemplating the beauty and simplicity of Christmas? Ask yourself, "Have I allowed Christmas to become way too big a production? How can I simplify for me and/or my family? How can I focus these days leading up to Christmas on what matters most?" Today is a new day. Let's start up by looking to the manger...and learning from the beauty and simplicity of Jesus' birth. Merry Christmas!
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
Yesterday, I was shopping in Boerne with a friend and we came upon a variety of nativity scenes. As I looked at each one, I was captivated by the simplicity and ruggedness of the manger scene. Three wise men. Mary and Joseph. The baby Jesus. A camel, sheep and manger. Barns for the most part, aren't real cozy, warm and comfortable places. No curtains. No couches or beds. No heaters. No decorations. No lights. The birth of the baby Jesus in such a place seems a far cry from how Christmas is depicted today.
The baby Jesus could have been born in a shopping mall. But He wasn't. Or on a subway in Manhattan. Or Michigan Avenue in Chicago. Or Hollywood on a hill. But He wasn't. God chose a simple manger, far from civilization for the birth of His Son. Jesus' birth characterized his entire life, one of humility. His life was not about getting a name for Himself. Jesus' life was about glorifying His Father in life as well as death. We would do well to follow Jesus in His character and actions.
Take a look at a nativity scene this week. Stare at it for a while. Allow yourself time to walk into the manger. Hear the sounds from the barn. Feel the cold and wind leaking through the old barn cracks. Move close to the manger and look intently on the baby Jesus. Hear his cries. Look at the wonder and amazement on Mary and Joseph's faces. Feel what they must have felt. Jesus' birth is one amazing miracle.
Could it be that the Christmas frenzy hinders you from contemplating the beauty and simplicity of Christmas? Ask yourself, "Have I allowed Christmas to become way too big a production? How can I simplify for me and/or my family? How can I focus these days leading up to Christmas on what matters most?" Today is a new day. Let's start up by looking to the manger...and learning from the beauty and simplicity of Jesus' birth. Merry Christmas!
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Messing Up on Thanksgiving
It was an atypical Thanksgiving day in Dallas, 1993. I woke up early to get downtown to run in the annual Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot. Sleet and ice were forecasted for later that day. Not a great day in the neighborhood. Later that afternoon, I vividly remember sliding down the street on a sheet of ice to my neighbor's house for a Thanksgiving celebration. I was doing what I love on Thanksgiving...starting the day with the Trot, enjoying a meal with close friends and watching my beloved Dallas Cowboys.
The Cowboys? A game I'll never forget. Some of you know where I'm going with this. :) The Cowboys were 7-3 and playing the Miami Dolphins. (8-2) They were leading by a score of 14-13 with 15 seconds remaining in the game. The Dolphins were attempting a 41-yard field goal to take the lead but the kick was blocked. While most all of the Cowboys were celebrating like crazy, Leon Lett attempted to recover the ball. He slipped on the ice as he tried to pick up the ball. Miami recovered on the Dallas one-yard line. Had Lett done nothing, the Cowboys would have had possession and won the game. By touching the ball and failing to hold on to it, Lett allowed the Dolphins to take possession, try another kick and win the game. Whether you care about football or not, you gotta feel for the guy. Major mess up on Thanksgiving Day.
I wonder how many times on Thanksgiving Day, Cowboy fans play back that horrible memory. Most of us laugh now. Maybe Leon Lett laughs about it now. I hope so. But,, I bet he didn't mean to make a mistake that day. It just happened. Momentary brain block. Whatever. He thought he was doing a good thing. But, he messed up.
We have such high expectations when it comes to the holidays. We want it all to go well. No fights on the way to Grandma's house. Perfect outcomes with all the food. No long lines at the store. No expectations with family members. Great deals on Black Friday. The holidays can be stressful, even on Thanksgiving. When things mess up for whatever reason, how do we respond?
Today is a great day to put on your Thanksgiving week perspective. Are you going to be the kind of person that others enjoy being around? Grateful? Able to laugh at your mistakes? Gracious to others who make mistakes? Forgiving quickly? Patient with others? Start your week committed to practice not only gratitude, but a way of life that demonstrates a godly and loving character. Don't judge those around you when they don't do what YOU would do. Give people grace. And then some more grace. Love them in spite of messin' up. Cause you know what? We all mess up, sooner or later. Ask Leon Lett. Happy Thanksgiving!
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Colossians 3:12-14
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
The Cowboys? A game I'll never forget. Some of you know where I'm going with this. :) The Cowboys were 7-3 and playing the Miami Dolphins. (8-2) They were leading by a score of 14-13 with 15 seconds remaining in the game. The Dolphins were attempting a 41-yard field goal to take the lead but the kick was blocked. While most all of the Cowboys were celebrating like crazy, Leon Lett attempted to recover the ball. He slipped on the ice as he tried to pick up the ball. Miami recovered on the Dallas one-yard line. Had Lett done nothing, the Cowboys would have had possession and won the game. By touching the ball and failing to hold on to it, Lett allowed the Dolphins to take possession, try another kick and win the game. Whether you care about football or not, you gotta feel for the guy. Major mess up on Thanksgiving Day.
I wonder how many times on Thanksgiving Day, Cowboy fans play back that horrible memory. Most of us laugh now. Maybe Leon Lett laughs about it now. I hope so. But,, I bet he didn't mean to make a mistake that day. It just happened. Momentary brain block. Whatever. He thought he was doing a good thing. But, he messed up.
We have such high expectations when it comes to the holidays. We want it all to go well. No fights on the way to Grandma's house. Perfect outcomes with all the food. No long lines at the store. No expectations with family members. Great deals on Black Friday. The holidays can be stressful, even on Thanksgiving. When things mess up for whatever reason, how do we respond?
Today is a great day to put on your Thanksgiving week perspective. Are you going to be the kind of person that others enjoy being around? Grateful? Able to laugh at your mistakes? Gracious to others who make mistakes? Forgiving quickly? Patient with others? Start your week committed to practice not only gratitude, but a way of life that demonstrates a godly and loving character. Don't judge those around you when they don't do what YOU would do. Give people grace. And then some more grace. Love them in spite of messin' up. Cause you know what? We all mess up, sooner or later. Ask Leon Lett. Happy Thanksgiving!
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Colossians 3:12-14
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
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