Another opportunity to remember and reflect

My bi-Weekly Update

Feb 15, 2023

The church is not a theological classroom. It is a conversion, confession, repentance, reconciliation, forgiveness and sanctification center, where flawed people place their faith in Christ, gather to know and love him better, and learn to love others as he designed. -Paul Tripp

Hello Everyone,

Last week I had a humbling experience as I stepped into my office after three years. I took the above picture while in the office. It was in February 2020 that we went remote due to COVID. When people came back to the office, I was in the hospital, and I went for one day last week. It was a great feeling to walk the hallway and see people I had not seen in person for a long time.

I had four boxes of stuff packed and kept in my cube. I found my shoes and spare clothes I had left. I also found a water bottle with three-year-old water in it. I opened the boxes and found my books and many things I did not even think or realize I had. I brought some things home while I left many things still in the office.

I thought about what would have happened to all my belongings if I had never gone back. Then a thought came to my mind about everything I own right now. One day I will leave everything behind, and someone will take it or throw it away.

Why do we think we own everything and fight about things in this world? Everything we gain and acquire will be left behind. We often go into a mode where we think and feel that everything is permanent. The reality is that we are temporarily here, and we will not take anything with us. We can live with little baggage to carry. Everything in this world is temporary and will change. People will change, and we will also change. We will have both valley and mountaintop experiences in this life. Nothing is permanent.

It was another opportunity to remember and reflect. Where is my focus? Where am I spending my time? What am I doing with the life and time God has given me?

May the Lord help us all to be intentional and focused without being cluttered by the things of this world.

Health/Personal Update

Thank you for your continued prayers for my complete recovery. I am doing fine, and most things are stable. There are still a few things, but overall I am doing well.

Once again, I want to thank everyone who has not given up but continues to pray for me.