September 3rd - Reflection

Video
http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=73986b3a7a357c48b33c

Readings
Ecclesiastes 4:1-6:12
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up the other... - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10a
2 Corinthians 6:14-7:7
For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, "I will live in them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. - 2 Corinthians 6:16b
Psalms 47:1-9
Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. - Psalms 47:6
Proverbs 22:16

Reflection
I'm not quite the same anymore. Something has changed. It's been sad at times. A loss of a leg, a job, an injury, an illness, even the mourning of a death; we have been changed by something. It always helps when there has been someone there to pick us up. To show us a new way. Things won't be the same anymore, but things can get better.

A soldier hears the laughter of a boy who has new artificial legs that allow him to run and play. The soldier sees this and has a choice. Stay in his self pity and sorrow, or change. The boy comes along and lifts the soldier up with laughter and joy. The soldier decides to change. Are we going to decide to change? Are we going to change and accept our plight? Are we going to see the laughter and joy God has graciously given us in this lifetime of struggle? The choice lies with each one of us.

But for sure, God will pick us up. God will pick us up one way or another. Maybe through the laughter of a little boy. Maybe through a friend. Maybe God will be more direct, but for sure, God will pick us up and give each one of us the chance to decide.

Will you sing praises to God? Will you change and laugh with God in joy? Or will you wallow in self-pity? Will you change?

Prayer
Lord, open my eyes to Your presence this day. Open my eyes to see the Child full of laughter and joy. The Child who overcomes this world of sin, pain, illness and death. The Child who chose to change and love us. Lord, open my eyes to You this day. And may I change in laughter and praise of all that You have done. ---Amen