Rusty Companion

 “Wisdom comes from the blessing of a long life." ~ Job 12:12

As a much younger man, Matt drove his parent’s ‘66, a Ford Mustang affectionately named Annie. The vehicle of choice for many young drivers in the 60s came in a variety of colors, engines, and transmissions. But Matt loved the yellow, inline 6, 200 cu in, automatic he got to drive.

Today, it's not a rust-bucket. That would require structural integrity. It’s been devolving since the late 90s, except for the spiders and rodents gnawing on what little upholstery remains.

Before Annie’s mandatory retirement, she sputtered on acceleration and backfired before the engine shut off. It burned oil. Bald tires could no longer hold patches. Her AM radio tunes mostly static, and the retro cassette player skips every time he hits a minor bump.

An even coat of rust covers most of her body with only a few yellow spray cans having attempted to hide it. Annie’s been rotting long enough that the weeds underneath her have accepted the car as one of their own. Friends tease that they’ve spotted buzzards circling the old gal.

His friend’s Dad, a mechanic, kept the car going for years longer than it should have lasted. As soon as he fixed one problem, something else would break down. He grumbled each time he worked on her. Still, the junker was all he could afford at the time, so Matt kept praying that Annie would hang on for a few more miles.

Finally, one morning he fired her up, put Annie in gear, and the transmission ground pointlessly without engaging. The time had finally come for her peaceful death. He opened the door and sat for a few moments grieving the loss of a beloved companion.

Matt tilted back in a seat that felt like a warm hug, dreaming for Annie to launch him on one last thrill ride. The power he imagined coming through the steering wheel brought memories of a raging bull breaking away screaming and ripping for freedom.

Joyful memories unfolded like the pages of a beloved storybook. He starting to have the same feelings about his own body.

Matt felt like a young soul driving an aging clunker. His back hurts daily. His five senses, memory, and energy are no longer as keen as they used to be. Although doing his best to eat right, exercise, and get enough sleep to slow the decay, he gets a little older every passing day.

Then Matt resets his mood for sunnier days ahead. In the end, he knew our bodies aren’t who we are, but temples of the Holy Spirit stewarding the earthly tent the Lord has given us. We are Children of God put here to live, learn, and love. And when it finally breaks down for good, we’ll happily let it go and return Home again.

Father God, help us realize that aging brings greater joy for those who are in Christ. Guide us in fleeing the temptations of worldliness, choosing instead to do what honors and glorifies You. Amen

The Bright Side

 “Children’s kids are a grandparents’ pride and joy." ~ Proverbs 17:6

Kelly was an optimist. Life rarely disappoints her because the sun always comes up… eventually. When God decides you need a lesson, all you can do is hang on and hope you can smile or laugh about it later.

Three months ago, she and her husband Michael exchanged their NYC brownstone for a dream home on a wooded lot near Schenectady. With their daughter’s blessing, it happened to be adjacent to her family’s lot. They’d always been close; now they were neighbors.

They built a Craftsman-style house sporting natural materials, an open floor plan, and a charming front porch. Their two children surprised them by hosting an open house and inviting several old friends from the city. Their dream of living near five grandkids became real.

A few months later, their son and his family packed up and left for his new job in Texas, 1,600 miles away. He’d been jobless for nearly a year. While they were excited for them, the feelings of grief and sadness were overwhelming. Kelly deeply missed them all.

At least their daughter’s crew still lived next door. When they took their two youngsters to Florida on a Disney adventure, the neighborhood felt empty and so lonely.

When they returned, her daughter couldn’t wait to share her good news. She’d landed a marketing promotion – one offering an attractive raise and terrific perks… in Cleveland, about 400 miles west.

For a time, the two were stuck in a persistent grief state; their hearts broken by the crushing loss of living near grandkids. On the best days, it was still a dull ache. Other grandparenting groups only reminded them of all the stuff they couldn’t do with their grandkids so far away. 

Life’s like that! Plans and expectations can turn into heartbreaks and disappointments. 

But God always has a better idea. There was a bright side.

As parents, Kelly and Michael had fulfilled their child-rearing responsibilities. Now it was their children’s turn to step into life’s challenges with maturity, courage, and purpose. The relationship wasn’t what they’d envisioned. But being a long-distance grandparent didn’t mean they couldn’t still be intentional, spiritual mentors.

Since their ultimate goal was to make certain the kids were loved, encouraged, and felt a sense of belonging, all that could be done from a distance. Technology provided ample creative ways to connect via email, video chats, and photo sharing. Cards and gifts (even for no specific reason), were always an option.

And when the opportunities arose, they’d make their visits memorable, so the grandkids would always look forward to them. With a little extra effort, sharing God’s love with grandchildren was always possible no matter how far away they were.

Lord, show us how to love our family well, no matter how far away they may be. Teach us what it means to honor our kids as they raise their own children. Open doors for us to be generous and helpful. Teach us to listen well and show them grace. Amen

Supersonic Fliers

 “Those who trust God will soar high on wings like eagles." ~ Isaiah 40:31

When the alley trash can began shaking, Caleb froze in his tracks, wondering what might be inside. His initial thought was a raccoon, but experience suggested coons were smart enough to escape if curious enough to get in.

He decided to turn the can on its side and give the creature a chance to flee. With a cautious step forward, Caleb instantly jumped back as it shook more violently. Perched on the can’s rim wasn’t a raccoon, or any other furry animal, but a peregrine falcon.

Its icy stare left him feeling exposed and intimidated; the kind of gaze that penetrates the soul. The peregrine tilted its head slightly, keeping one eye on Caleb and looking inside the can with the other before retreating inside the can.

A burst of noise followed: ruffled feathers, screeching talons, and the distinct sound of a small animal snarling. Suddenly the falcon burst out and soared into the heavens with a chipmunk clutched in one claw.

Dumbfounded, Caleb took a moment for his brain to find the words to adequately express what he felt. That hawk was magnificent.

What must God be like that He makes such a fierce, beautiful creature? What must He be like that tons of aluminum can lift gracefully off the ground and fly around the globe? For centuries, gravity kept us grounded until someone mastered the science that enables us to fly.

A peregrine falcon is not a meaningless, killing machine. It’s an amazing creature, crafted by our Heavenly Father, revealing something of His creative genius.

Known for its exceptional speed, keen eyesight, and unparalleled hunting skills, the mighty raptor embodies quickness, agility, and focus. Beyond its remarkable physical attributes, the falcon offers deep biblical symbolism that resonates with believers.

Like fighter jets and missiles, peregrine falcons are built for high velocity. Their hollow bones and aerodynamic torso allow them to fly as fast as a cheetah (70 mph), and dive after prey at the speed of an Indy race car (+240 mph). The falcon’s ability to soar high above the earth reminds us to rise above earthly concerns and seek a higher perspective free from earthly constraints.

Their eyes can function simultaneously as both a macro and zoom lens, allowing it to spot small prey from nearly two miles away, and then precisely catch it in midair. Its remarkable eyesight serves as a reminder to keep our spiritual vision clear and to remain focused on our faith.

The falcon's agility, strength, and intelligence make it one of Earth's most formidable hunters. Its precise movements and unwavering focus encourage us to remain centered, purpose-driven, and prepared for spiritual battles.

Not bad for birds nearly extinct in the mid-1960s from the widespread use of the pesticide DDT.

Almighty Father, let the falcon serve as a celestial messenger, steering us toward a deeper understanding of our faith and life's purpose. Help us trust in the spiritual significance of falcon encounters while You guide our path. Amen

My Spiritual BOD

 “Get all the advice and instruction you can.” ~ Proverbs 19:20

Many of the wisest people in my life have passed away as I’ve aged. The stalwarts of good sense, judgment, and inspiration are no longer available to me. So, one day when I heard a friend talk about his Spiritual Board of Directors (SBOD) for advice on something, I listened intently.

Public companies have Boards of Directors that consist of specialized advisors with diverse perspectives, expertise, and relevant experiences. They have fiduciary obligations to act in the best interest of the shareholders and provide invaluable counsel to the firm’s CEO.

As I’m the CEO of my own life, I sit at the head of my boardroom table - or sofa, picnic table, or park bench. So I wrote down the names of people in my life I admired for advice, mentoring, and influence.

My SBOD is a secret group, known only to me. In fact, none of my Directors even knows that they’re on my Board since we never actually meet. Members are not elected, have no term limits, and receive no compensation or recognition for their services.

These 12 cherished adults of integrity, wisdom, and authenticity who help me stay spiritually healthy. I admire them because they consistently lead by EXAMPLE and motivate me to become a better person.

They come from diverse backgrounds. There’s a secretary, a Pastor, a writer, a doctor, an engineer, and several retirees. They are people that I trust implicitly and am not shy to be vulnerable with. The Holy Spirit serves as my Board Chair.

Our faith journeys are fraught with anxiety, confusion, selfishness, and at times hypocrisy. The examples exhibited by my Directors help me stay focused on my identity as a beloved child of God rather than whatever other roles I might enumerate.

It's good to be intentional about the handful of people you choose to most directly influence your actions and your character. I often find myself asking “What would _ name _ do in this situation?” Watching how they live and interact with others, helps me make decisions aligned with God's plan.

Many of us turn to friends and small groups who pray for us when asked. I find it comforting to have someone I can always turn to for prayer. My Directors are people with the gift of intercessory prayer who make it their ministry to pray for others.

So why not give it a try?

Go to your sacred space and light a candle. With pen and paper begin writing down people you know who bring focus, joy, and light into your life. Their living testimony will help you become a better Christian, and encourage you to be the person God created you to be.

Almighty Father, my heart floods with gratitude for the incredible Christians You’ve placed in my life. Thank you for their love, guidance, and unwavering faith that draws me closer to You. May I always be a reflection of Your love through the relationships You’ve graced me with. Amen

Settling In

 “He puts a little of heaven in our hearts, so we'll never settle for less.” ~ 2 Cor. 5:5

When bored or depressed, Murphy often scanned her favorite motivational YouTube videos for some lighthearted inspiration. Today’s speaker was opining about perseverance; never giving up. “What if George Sperti had given up after his first eight formulas (Preparations A through G) had failed?” she questioned.

The humorous but inaccurate answer was “He might never have invented the popular hemorrhoid treatment called Preparation H! We know how painful that would be.”

Fun Fact: It’s the most stolen item in the drugstore because people are too embarrassed to buy it.

Kidding aside, the Italian American inventor’s dogged determination eventually resulted in 127 pharmaceutical patents. He donated most of the money he received to the Institutum Divi Thomae, which he co-founded in 1935 to research cancer.

Murphy finished the video with twin thoughts on the subject. In this culture of money and materialism, one track reminded her that life often rewards those with strength and determination to keep pushing forward, even when the path seems daunting. Sometimes to the detriment of health, relationships, and satisfaction.

Could the antithesis of moving up or forward be “settling in,” she pondered; perhaps getting married, starting a family, or adopting a more stable routine. When everything seems to be working, if our marriages are comfortable, our jobs aren’t terrible, and our finances are secure, most people are satisfied. But are we giving up too early, settling for too little?

The bigger question: “Is God satisfied? Have we become content long before God’s grace has completed His work?”

Murphy knew that she needed His constant intervention until she was transformed into the perfect likeness of Jesus. She would continue to need the forgiving, enabling, and transforming power of His grace until every thought and desire in her heart pleases God. 

She would need His protection and rescue from the seductive temptations of this fallen world.

Murphy recalled what a colleague had shared years ago: “You have to bloom where you’re planted.” For example, there are many ways to see and know the world. Traveling to Rome won’t make one a Christian alone. Prayer, Bible study, fellowship, and allowing Christ the primary place in all life’s choices can make you more of a Christian than someone who lives there.

In the same way, something like “heaven” is as much inside as out; someone with a troubled mind won’t find peace anywhere, no matter how far they travel. Knowledge and contentment are found within, however much you seek it ‘without.’

So, don’t quit before Grace has completed its work. Cry out for more rescue, transformation, and deliverance. Be grateful that your Savior continues to work even in the moments when you don’t value the work you may desperately need.

Precious Lord, I’m a sinner who needs Your Grace and mercy. Shake me from my current routines and turn my focus from myself and toward You. Work in me, through me, and despite me today and every day. Amen

Bus-todian

 “My children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." ~ 1 John 3:18

In a tiny central Missouri town, children stood on ladders ready to tear off the paper covering new letters on the elementary school building. Swedeborg, an unincorporated community has only two businesses: a quick shop and a gas station.

Most of the town’s 497 inhabitants and school staff had gathered for the unveiling. They eagerly awaited the recognition kept secret until the start of the school year.

When it comes time to name a public building, communities look at either historic or financial contributors and choose a high-profile name that brings recognition. Famous Missourians like George Washington Carver, Josephine Baker, and Harry S. Truman adorn facilities across the state. So, when the School Board chose their honoree, they did so carefully.

With fanfare befitting a legend, the letters scrawled across the school’s entrance read “Claudene Wilson Learning Center.” A slightly confused custodian looked up at her name as people applauded in agreement with the Board’s unanimous decision of a rare celebrity who didn’t like attention.

The retired 64-year-old “Bus-todian,” had been the school’s bus driver, custodian, cafeteria helper, and lawn mower for more than three decades. But her most valuable role was being ‘present’ for the children.

She offered special treats like suckers or candy bars for raising grades, kind actions, or noteworthy successes. “They’re what kept me coming back since 1992,” she shared.

School Board President Chuck Boren said of the beloved handywoman, "Claudene treats every student like they're her own.” He knew firsthand. Wilson's last year at the K-8 school was his first. “When the kids get sick, they go to her first. If there was trouble at home, they go to her. She's so empathetic and attuned to every student.”

“By unanimous consent, our goal in renaming the building,” he added, “was not only to honor her 32 years of service, but also to encourage students to be kind, hardworking, and supportive - just like Claudene.”

One parent remarked, “Claudene was the glue that held our school together. By nurturing and supporting our kids, the entire community rises. Kind-hearted people like her create positive ripples into the future.”

Kristi Cargill, an elementary teacher, appreciated Wilson always checking on them to see if they needed a bathroom break or any classroom repairs, by flashing them a thumbs-up outside the hallway window. “I love coming in from summer vacation and seeing the light’s reflection on the walls and floors because she’d waxed and shined them to perfection,” Cargill added. “She never did things halfway.”

Now mostly retired, Wilson is still on campus every day and occasionally helps drive the bus. “I’m no hero,” Wilson claims, “I just hope the school’s new name inspires people to be more kind.”

Heavenly Father, it's only by following You that we can become a beacon of conspicuous love and humble compassion. Help me be a Godly example by my uplifting words, kind actions, unselfish love, and pure heart. Amen

Two Wrongs

 "Instead of drinking to excess, fill your heart with the Holy Spirit" ~ Ephesians 5:18

He’d become far too comfortable driving drunk. At first, he did everything right: using designated drivers, calling Ubers, or even chilling for however long it took to sober up. But as the years went on and Jerrod’s alcohol tolerance increased, he broke his own rules.

What started as a slight buzz evolved into full-blown drunk driving. Tonight, on his drive home, a neighbor driving toward him repeatedly flashed his headlights. It was a warning that the Sheriff was parked around the corner.

He’d been driving more than twice the speed limit. Jerrod decelerated quickly and passed the Sheriff without incident. “Whew, dodged another bullet,” he said to himself.

Aaron, the driver who’d signaled Jerrod to slow down, had seen him ‘flying’ down the road and, knowing him, was probably drunk again. He deliberately flashed a warning.

Days later, Aaron sat alone when his daughter, Carrie, got home, her beautiful smile and warm heart reminded him of his late wife. He missed her so, why did she have to die?

Carrie (17) was now the center of his world. He cherished the memories of years gone by, but she’d always be ‘Daddy’s little girl.’ But oh, how she was growing up too fast!

They spoke briefly, before she hugged him, and kissed Aaron goodnight. She headed for bed, then stopped to say, “I saw a friend of yours today. He said to tell you thanks for flashing your lights. He was going too fast, so he slowed way down. He’d been drinking - that would’ve been his third DWI. He’d be sitting in jail if not for your warning.”

Months later, Jerrod wasn’t speeding or weaving. But when he crested the hill, a crowd of people stood in front of him. He tried to stop. But his reflexes were too slow, too inebriated to react correctly.

By the time the police arrived, Jerrod sat on the side of the road holding his knees, rocking. When he looked up, he saw Aaron talking to the Sheriff. His knees buckled as a river of tears burst from his eyes. He pleaded in vain, “Please don’t tell me it’s not true.”

The Officer pointed at a disheveled Aaron wasted on the curb. He’s the one who caused the fatal accident, and we believe alcohol was a factor. 

Her last words were, “Tell Daddy I love him.”

Aaron got off easy. He served fifteen years in state prison charged with DWI, assault with a deadly weapon, and involuntary manslaughter.

Jerrod’s nightmare will never end. He longs to just once more hear her coming in the door! From Heaven above her voice still echoes: “Dad, trust the law to do its job. Please drive safely, so that everyone’s precious children get home safely.”

Father God, we pray for those addicted to alcohol and find themselves behind the wheel while under its influence. We ask for Your intervention, that You touch their hearts and give them the strength to overcome this destructive habit. Amen

Restored

 “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion." ~ Philippians 1:6

No one could see what Jackson saw in that old, dilapidated house. It mirrored his own life’s shambles – unemployed, divorced, PTSD.

He saw potential, they couldn’t see past its fractured appearance. They saw rotted siding, chipped paint, falling gutters, and a leaky roof. He envisioned the builder’s original intent – and what that house could be one day with a little work.

Jackson stepped into the run-down home that’d once been a stunning place for a family to live safely. Over time, through neglect and the city’s systemic downfall, it’d fallen into disrepair: filthy, repulsive, and dangerous.

She had some issues but was entitled to them given her decades of decay.

Passerby couldn’t fathom why Jackson worked so hard replacing the roof, windows, and doors. Or why he bothered to sand down the chipped paint.

Despite splinters and muscle strains, he couldn’t stop. The house constantly asked for more – more of his time, money, and energy. He sacrificed hundreds of weekends at the altar of restoration, with endless to-do lists and a love-hate relationship that was addictively alluring.

But he labored on. Jackson knew something others didn’t. He knew how the house had been built and what it was meant to be… because he’d built it.

Restoring it to its original glory reversed the mirror back at him, reflecting new perspectives that he hadn’t considered before: the value of time and money, the importance placed on things new and “improved,” and finally how humble it made him feel.

During its tenure, six families had called it home, filling closets and drawers with their heirlooms, beliefs, and sentiments. Many of those treasures were tender, motivating, and joyful. But there was also clutter metaphorically accrued in their hearts’ darkest spaces - disappointments, regrets, and self-doubt, that robbed them of happiness and purpose in their lives.

It took years, one could even say a lifetime, but eventually, others saw it too. No one recognized the elegant mansion that now replaced the abandoned house. There’s something about being human that longs for, and delights in, seeing something restored.

In the process, he’d learned more about himself and life than he had about replacing gutters.

Upon reflection, Jackson marveled at the comparison between the process of restoring an old house to God's work in his own life. One of the most important considerations in restoration is that as much as possible of the original material must be preserved.

The story reveals how the chaos of rebuilding can result in a beautiful masterpiece, similar to how God can restore a broken person with joy and peace. This points to the redeeming miracles of God’s work as only He can make a broken, ugly world beautiful and whole again.

Lord Almighty, as we navigate the uncertainty of our country’s future, renew our trust that You have a plan for us that brings restoration and renewal in ways that exceed our imagination. Remind us that You are the God of restoration. Amen

Our Daily Bread

 “Give us the bread we need today." ~ Matthew 6:11

The 36-year-old Salvadoran left Mexico’s Pacific coast in a small boat accompanied by a much younger crewmate. An experienced sailor and fisherman, he expected 30 hours of deep-sea fishing, hoping to bring back a lucrative haul of sharks, marlins, and sailfish. The 24-foot open fiberglass boat had a single outboard motor, rudimentary electronics, and a large icebox for storing fish.

Shortly after departing, they were blown off course by a ferocious, weeklong storm that damaged the motor and emergency radio beyond repair. They were forced to dump the fish they’d caught to make the vessel more maneuverable. They also lost almost all of their fishing gear, leaving them with only a handful of basic supplies and little food.

Without sails, oars, an anchor, running lights, or any other way to contact shore, the boat drifted westward across the open ocean. Local authorities called off the search after two days, citing heavy fog and extreme weather.

Their maritime diet initially consisted mainly of raw fish, turtle blood, and small birds (fresh meat helps prevent scurvy). To quench their thirst, they drank rainwater and urine.

Spending most of his life at sea, José Alvarenga was used to a seafood diet and the harsh salty air. His 22-year-old companion was not. Four months into their oceanic odyssey, he became ill, stopped eating, and eventually died from starvation.

Floating across the unforgiving ocean for over a year, he battled loneliness, depression, and thoughts of suicide. But surviving the planet’s largest ecosystem, vivid hallucinations, and extreme solitude did little to prepare him for the fact that he would soon become an international celebrity and an object of curiosity.

After 438 days adrift, covering about 6,000 miles, his excursion ended ten years ago tomorrow. By the time he was rescued, José was in surprisingly good health, except for dehydration, anemia, and aquaphobia.

Alvarenga's journey reminds us of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of faith, even in the direst circumstances. When asked if he’d learned anything from his ordeal, he replied: “I’ve learned that if I can have enough food to eat and fresh water to drink, I will be deliriously happy for the rest of my life.”

When Jesus taught his disciples to pray, He had them ask only for “daily bread.” He didn’t have them ask for luxuries, property, or lavish meals. He didn’t have them ask for protection or for all of their future needs to be met. He had them ask for the spiritual sustenance that only God could give.

But we can only receive it when we open ourselves to it. Jesus knew that constantly caring about ‘things’ and worrying about our future would only separate us from God and love. Only God knows our genuine needs better than we do.

“Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Help us avoid earthly temptations and protect us from evil. For Thine is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory, forever.” Amen

Age Is a Gift

 “Though our bodies grow older, our spirits are being renewed daily." ~ 2 Corinthians 4:16

The phrase "Age is just a number" suggests that the number of years a person has lived doesn't define who they are or what they can accomplish; our only limitations are those we set for ourselves. While a positive attitude can help, we all need to accept the changes that come with age and plan for how to make our aging excursion as healthy and productive as possible.

Take Jonathon, the world’s oldest living land animal, for example. Estimated to have been born around 1832, this giant tortoise lived before the invention of the telegraph. He’s lived during all but six U.S. presidencies. Up to 400 land vertebrate species have gone extinct during their lifespan.

Jonathon arrived at the small, tropical island of St. Helena at about age 50. He’s strolled and foraged the gardens of Plantation House, the governor's current, and Napolean’s final, residence, ever since.

Over time, Jonathan lost his sense of sight and smell, making it difficult to find food which led to malnutrition. A few years ago, the island’s head veterinarian began treating him with a new diet and exceptional care.

The adjustments were life changing. He’s now hand-fed once a week with a fortifying helping of fruit and vegetables. He enjoys the attention of a small group of devoted volunteers, who report that the reptile shows no signs of slowing down and remains vibrantly healthy.

On mild days, he sunbathes. Cooler weather sends Jonathon digging himself into leaf or grass compost. He also enjoys eating and dalliances with his girlfriend, Emma.

He’s regained his stamina. With no scale capable of weighing him on the island, his exact weight is unknown but estimated at between 300 and 450 pounds. Young tourists are no longer allowed to ride atop his shell.

It’s phenomenal that this gentle giant has outlived every other living creature on earth, including the entire human race. All indications point to Jonathan reaching into a third century.

Despite society’s negative attitude about aging in general, and stereotyping older adults as feeble and insignificant, many elders thrive despite their years and the barrage of pharmaceutical ads.

Some people are fortunate to have the healthy genetics of 90-year-old parents.

But, almost without exception, successful agers effectively manage the aging process by how they live. They build and retain strong social connections with family and community. They tend to avoid things that can damage health. They move their bodies regularly, at least a little.

Those who recognize the reality of their situation don’t proclaim that their age is “just a number” but rather something they acknowledge, respect, and work to slow and manage.

A cheerful outlook doesn’t hurt either.

"Dear Lord, as I enter the later stages of my life, present myself humbly to You, asking for your guidance and protection. My body, stamina, and mind are changing. I need Your help to stay healthy, strong, and spiritually grounded. Amen