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Monthly Archives: November 2018
The Season of Thanks and Giving
Vol. 20 No. 47 | November 26, 2018T
Andy Williams sings, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!”
But is it really?
The hustle
If we are not careful, we will miss the fact that we truly are in the middle of the season of thanks and giving. This season really could be the most wonderful time…if we actually take the time to make it so.
Let me offer a few suggestions of what I’m going to do to enhance this season of thanks and giving.
Intentionally slow down. Sometimes, when I find myself in hurry mode, this statement comes to mind:
“It is refreshing, and salutary, to study the poise and quietness of Christ. His task and responsibility might well have driven a man out of his mind. But He was never in a hurry, never impressed by numbers, never a slave of the clock.” – J. B. Phillips
That was not by accident. He intentionally lived that way. I think we can too, if we make an honest effort to slow down.
Consciously and consistently be thankful. Start a new habit of being grateful. Not in some robotic manner of mindlessly saying “Thank you,” but genuinely be grateful and express it. Look for reasons to be thankful. Slow down and look at a sunset, listen to nice music, or reflect on the Scripture you’re reading. Slow down and be present with the person you are with.
Deliberately be generous.If you don’t want to give cash to the woman on the corner, keep a
These are three simple and practical ways we can move through this season and end up on the other side feeling good about what we’ve done. Slow down, be thankful and generous. None of the three will automatically happen. We will need to be intentional, conscious, and deliberate about our decisions. If we do these three things, not only will we feel better about ourselves, we will give someone else a reason to be thankful.
Enjoy this season of thanks and giving.
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Lead with Gentleness
Vol. 20 No. 46 | November 19, 2018
I keep coming back to these words:
“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” (Philippians 4:5)
Eugene Peterson phrased it a little differently:
“Make it as clear as possible to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them not against them.”
Maybe it’s the political climate. Maybe it’s what I see during my brief jaunts into the social media world. Maybe it’s the increasing number of churches that appear to be more focused on numbers and building a public image than the people they serve. Maybe it’s how I see some parents deal with their children during my visits to the grocery store.
Whatever the reason, the words continue to play in my head:
“Let your gentleness be evident to all, the Lord is near.”
The words remind me that in a political climate where destroying the opponent is the priority, I must lead with gentleness. I must convey to people that, although we might disagree, I am not working against them. I am on their side.
In the culture of religion, I must lead with a gentleness that demonstrates, beyond any doubt, that the person in front of me matters more than anything else. What is happening in his life is what’s important. The concerns of her heart deserve my full attention.
In a society where parents are overwhelmed, overbooked, overworked, and overstressed, I can be a voice of gentleness that says, “You are not alone. God is aware of everything you are experiencing.”
In a corporate world where profit is the top, middle, and bottom line, people must reemerge as the greatest of all treasures and should be treated as such.
I am not so naïve to think that leading with gentleness will be an overnight solution to all dysfunctional families, misguided churches, power-hungry governments, and businesses focused on the power of the dollar. But I do believe that it might help the members of my family, the women and men with whom I work and worship, and mothers, dads, husbands, wives, and children with whom I interact on a daily basis.
So, I suppose the reason these words keep coming back to me is the Lord is saying: “I am near, Tom, let your gentleness be evident to all.”
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Respect, Humility and Kindness: A Better and Different Way
Vol. 20 No. 45 | November 12, 2018
In light of the major news events demanding our attention, words like respect, humility, and kindness tend to be tossed into the pile of discarded human qualities labeled“Naïve and Childish.” I get that.
In an age when trying to follow the lifestyle of Jesus- practicing humility, gentleness, and tolerance- is often overshadowed and ignored by a world that glorifies ego, self-righteousness, and power. That’s the way the world works and always has. I realize that.
Yes, I get just as angry, frustrated, and disappointed as anyone with what I see in the news and social media.
However, as a participant in and observer of life events, major and minor, I believe it’s time (and way overdue) for us to do our part to reverse this trend. Not by marching and shouting in protest. Not by angrily demanding our rights. Not by refusing to participate or declaring the world unfair. Not by name-calling, labeling, and making hateful accusations.
There is a different way.
The Old Testament prophet said:
“The arrogance of man will be brought low and human pride humbled; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day,” (Isaiah 2:17, NIV)
Jesus said:
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:29, NIV)
Paul said:
“Show respect to everyone.” (1 Peter 2:17, NIV)
Paul described Jesus:
“And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:8, NIV)
James said:
“Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” (James 4:10, NIV)
Tim McGraw said: always be “Humble and Kind.”
It must be confusing for children, who are taught to be kind and respect others, to see and hear the complete opposite from leaders in politics, sports, religion, and the entertainment industry.
There is a different and better way.
Demanding that other people set the example is not the solution. The solution is for us, followers of Jesus, to show that we believe His way is the best way and live like we believe it.
It is our duty and obligation to go through our days humble, kind, and showing respect to everyone. Our children and their children, neighbors, and friends are depending on us to show them…
We can live a better and different way.
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Swiftly Fly the Years
Vol. 20 No. 44 | November 5, 2018
I recently shared a few sunrise and sunset photos with my friends on their birthdays, along with these words from the Fiddler on the Roof:
“Sunrise, sunset…swiftly fly the years.”
The chorus of the song continues,
“One season following another. Laden with happiness and tears.”
My intention was not to focus on the fact that my friends are getting older. I wanted, instead, to offer an opportunity for reflection on the life they’ve been given and on life itself.
The years do fly by swiftly. And they are certainly laden with happiness and tears.
On any given day, we are likely to be celebrating someone on the day they were born and wishing them well, or remembering how old they would be if they were still alive.
I’ve done both in the last two weeks.
On any given day we may be celebrating with a couple on their anniversary or grieving over the news that a couple decided to end their marriage.
I’ve done both in the last two weeks.
Swiftly fly the years…laden with happiness and tears.
On the subject of age, last week my doctors asked me how old I was. Their response was to remind me of all the changes that occur as we get older. Another person’s reaction was to tell me I looked younger. (I prefer the latter).
The fall season always generates nostalgic and reflective moments for me. This isn’t a bad thing…as long as I don’t drift too far or linger too long there. These moments of reflection serve as a reminder to consider how I’ve been living and what I’m doing with the days I have left. And they usually point me to this passage from the Bible:
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. (Ephesians 5:15-17, NIV)
Am I being careful how I live? Am I living wisely and making the most of every opportunity? Am I seeking the Lord’s will and not being foolish?
Most of the time I believe I am. Others, not so much.
But can I do better? Most certainly. Will I do better? I will do my very best.
Because the years fly swiftly and are laden with happiness and tears.
How about you?
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A Norvell Note © Copyright 2018 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved
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