Random Thoughts

I haven't blogged in a few weeks. God asked me to write weekly. But I keep using the excuse that He's not giving me anything to write so I just skip it. How dare I? Shame on me for thinking I had nothing to write. God never told me it had to be profound. He told me to write. I have thoughts in my head daily. Today, I decided to share something I've been pondering.

I've noticed something about people. Some people do everything in their power to be noticed. Others do everything to stay hidden. Still others stay in the middle. They just want to do what they need to do and move on. I tend to be more in the middle but lean toward the anonymity side. Flamboyant people annoy me. But they also make me feel inferior. Sometimes I wish I were more outgoing. But I'm the way God made me and I can't change that. Flamboyant people are the way God made them and they can't change it either.

So, how can we find some sort of middle ground? I wish I had a magic answer. It would make life easier. What I do know is that, whether you're flamboyant and outgoing or quiet and prefer to stay unnoticed, show respect for the "other side." Quite often, outgoing people come across as thinking they have all the answers and know everything. In reality, God is the only one that has all the answers.

Outgoing people, be sure you're letting the quiet ones know you value and appreciate them. Quiet ones, remember what Eleanor Roosevelt said: "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."

Be kind to everyone. You don't have to be friends with everyone in your life. But you do need to show respect and kindness. I don't believe God will ask us why we weren't friends with everyone. But He will ask why we weren't kind. You don't have to let your life be an open book and no one should expect you to be. But be kind. Show respect. Give a smile.

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Ok, sorry if that seemed disjointed. In my defense, I told you it was random thoughts. Now, go be nice!

Well Done

I've heard people say they long to hear Jesus say, "Well done, good and faithful servant" when their time on earth comes. When I think of some people, I can't imagine their warm welcome. Not that I'm being judgmental. I'm just realizing that it's easier to imagine the welcome that awaits in heaven that some will receive. This afternoon, one such person entered into heaven's gates. I have no doubt in my mind that Jesus met him there with a resounding, "WELL DONE, GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT! ENTER YOUR REST."

In fact, I'm picturing lots of things about this particular Home-going. Jim Bennett was a dear friend and classmate of my father's. They attended Bethel College together. He later became the President of Bethel. After retiring from Bethel, he was our pastor at Bethany Missionary Church. I have so many memories of "Papa Jim" as my kids grew up calling him.

I remember he and his wife hosting "afterglow" around the campfire after evening services at Prairie Camp. I remember seeing his smiling face as he walked around the campgrounds when I was a teenage camper. I remember seeing him at Bethel sporting events. He watched my brother play Bethel baseball...A LOT! I'd see him at basketball games when I was working as the shot clock operator when I was in high school.

As an adult, I remember hearing many sermons that spoke to my heart. I remember his sermons about the end times. I will always remember him saying that when it comes to the Tribulation, we should "Pray for pre but prepare for post." I remember him saying, "I know I'm stepping on some toes today and I'm glad!" I remember in December 1990 when my parents and I were in a serious car accident. My dad was air-lifted from Indiana to Michigan because that was the best trauma center at the time. Jim was our pastor then. He drove more than an hour EVERY DAY to visit my dad, his college classmate, in the hospital. When my dad improved enough he could be transferred to our local hospital, Jim was there EVERY DAY! When my dad was sent home from the hospital but had to go to South Bend for therapy several times a week, it was Jim who drove him to his appointments, waited during therapy, then drove him back home, helped him get settled in and then assure Dad he would "be back tomorrow whether you like it or not."

I remember when my daughter was born. It was a Sunday. Our church was having a potluck dinner that day. My parents were at that potluck. It was before cell phones were around (they were bag phones that stayed in the car). I called the church to tell my parents. When the person answering the phone called out for my parents, I heard Jim yell across the fellowship hall, "They can talk to her after I do! I get to find out first!" He was indeed the first one to hear about our new little one. He dedicated her a few weeks later. I remember his holding her in his arms and praying over her.

Before the accident, my dad sang. He had the voice of an angel. Beautiful, resonant, perfect tenor voice. He sang in church often. When he was in college, he sang in the choir and on multiple Gospel teams that traveled all over. After every time my Dad sang in church, Jim would get up there and say, "Al, I still hope that when I die and go to heaven, Jesus lets me sing just like you." Guess what, Papa Jim...that time is now. Sing away, my friend! Sing away.

It was very hard news to share with my father. This was a man he dearly loved. They've known each other since they were teenagers. My heart is sad for my Dad at losing a friend. But my heart breaks for his 4 kids (2 he raised and 2 that were blessed to marry in to the family), grandkids and wife. They are a very special family. But I rejoice in knowing that he heard those words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Simple Memories

Today a student walked in wearing what appeared to be striped jeans and a hoodie. He pulled up the hoodie and proudly said, "Look, Mrs. Wohlford! I'm wearing overalls today!" Yes, they were striped Key overalls! I remember a pair of those hanging on the hook on the back of my grandparents' bathroom door. I remember my grandpa proudly wearing them...A LOT!  Key overalls have always made me smile. They've always served as a reminder of my grandpa. To that student I say, "Thank you!" Yes, I told him how happy it made my heart to see him wearing them. I needed that that!