A Norvell Note – Page 29 – Thoughts and reflections on God, life, people, and living as a follower of Jesus.

Simple Pleasures

Vol. 20 No. 48 | December 3, 20

A really good cup of coffee…and time to enjoy it.

A quiet meal with your spouse in a nice restaurant.

A peaceful drive through the hills on a clear autumn day.

Taking a moment to enjoy the sunset or sunrise.

Having a relaxed breakfast with your children and grandchildren.

An honest, heartfelt conversation about life’s highs and lows.

Watching your favorite team win a game.

Catching up with a friend you’ve not heard from in a while.

Finishing the workweek knowing you’ve done your job well.

Sleeping in.

Walking through the neighborhood at twilight.

Participating in a spirited, meaningful worship experience.

These are a few simple pleasures that make my life more enjoyable. Even when life gets overwhelmingly busy, I try to include at least one of these blessings into my day or week.

And, I try to remember the wisdom of these words:

And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. (Italics mine) (1 Thessalonians 4:10-12, NIV)

I encourage you to make your own list of simple pleasures (or borrow some of mine).

And, please, give yourself the gift of making time to enjoy them.

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Until Hope Returns

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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 andbustle, that used to be limited to a few days before Christmas, now includesalmost the entire fall season. We dash through the gatherings on ThanksgivingDay, straight to Black Friday, Shop Small Saturday, and Cyber Monday. Next we become consumed with year-end projects, holiday parties, and buying and wrapping gifts. All of the sudden, we are in the haste of starting a new year.

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 bottleof water in your car and offer her that. If your closet is full of clothes youno longer wear, give them to someone who can. If your children have outgrowntheir clothes or toys, clean them up and give them to someone who will enjoy them.Give yourself to people- your words, your kindness, and your time.

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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Expressions of Appreciation

Vol. 20 No. 43 | October 29, 2018

You see the cleaning lady in the hall every day. While you’re gone, she comes into your office, empties the trash, straightens everything up, and vacuums. You never worry if it will get done, or even think about it. Because it always does, because she is dedicated to her job and needs the money. Have you ever told her you appreciate her?

Your neighbor keeps his yard well-manicured. When you are away, he keeps an eye on things. He is a quiet man who goes about his life with kindness and gentleness. Have you ever told him you appreciate him and enjoy being his neighbor?

Almost every time you go to the grocery store, you have the same woman check you out at the register. She is always friendly, sweet to your children, and has a wonderful smile. Have you ever told her how much she brightens your day?

There is an older gentleman who sits near you at church. He is always there and always alone. You learn that he leaves immediately after service to go visit his wife. She has Alzheimer’s Disease and hasn’t recognized him in two years. But he still goes to see her and help her eat lunch. Have you ever shared how much you appreciate him honoring the commitment he made to his wife…in sickness and health, for better or worse?

We intersect with dozens of people every day. Some are memorable interactions, others we hardly notice, but both give us an opportunity to share an encouraging word or express our appreciation. Too often, we don’t take the time to say what we are thinking because we are in a hurry or afraid we might sound silly.

With very little effort, we can change the atmosphere of a room, our workplace, the dinner table, or the coffee shop. We don’t have to go to a lot of trouble, just a simple, “I really appreciate the way you live your life”, or, “thank you for what you do and how you do it with such joy”, or, “I really want you to know that working with you is a pleasure,” Or even just a sincere, “Thank you.”

Try to remember how it made you feel the last time someone expressed their appreciation for you. You were surprised. You didn’t realize they noticed. You felt a little more alive and … appreciated.

In the words of Jesus (and paraphrased by the late Eugene Peterson):

“Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them. Add up God’s Law and Prophets and this is what you get.”

By the way, I appreciate you taking the time to read these words.

Now, it’s your turn.

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Live Simply with Contentment

Vol. 20 No. 42 | October 22, 2018

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.

Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” (1 timothy 6:6-10, NIV)

This one line stands out to me: But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.

That line jumps off the page because I wonder: Will we? Will we be content with just food and clothing?

Every time I pull my car into our two-car garage, I see boxes lining the walls filled with clothes we are not wearing, sporting equipment we are not using, and decorations that are only decorating the boxes they’re in.

When I drive through neighborhoods, I see cars sitting in driveways because their garages are filled with exercise and building equipment that do not fit inside their houses.

When I drive down city streets, I see housing development after housing development, in part, because we are not satisfied with our current living situation.

When I go to the grocery store, I usually leave with more than I need and can’t remember the last time I didn’t stand in line to check out (even with the self-check-out lanes).

The ads that show up on my social media pages and appear repeatedly on tv constantly challenge my notion of being content.

Don’t take this to mean I have anything against using your garage as a workshop or workout room, community growth, people buying groceries to feed their families, or companies promoting their products. My concern, however, is with the difficulty we have experiencing the great gain of godliness and contentment.

Contentment is a great challenge for all who live in the land of plenty. It seems that plenty is okay, but more is better. Enough is seldom enough.

It’s only natural, right? The American way, right?

Not according to Jesus and his followers.

The call to live simply and with contentment is not easy. I am not there. But I’m trying. I’ve been trying for many years. I have made some progress. I have fewer boxes in my garage and less stuff in my attic. I’m trying to be content with my iPhone 7, and I still drive a 2007 Toyota Highlander with almost 250,000 miles on it. I’m trying to live simply and with contentment, but I’m not where I want to be.

You may share a similar battle. Don’t give up. Live simply. Be content with what you have. Trust the Lord to show you the “great gain.”

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Take It All In

Vol. 20 No. 41 | October 15, 2018

In the first five verses of Psalm 139, David marvels at the reality that God knows his every thought and action and is constantly aware of where he is. He says:

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,

too lofty for me to attain. (Psalm 139:1-6, NIV)

The Message states it this way:

“This is too much, too wonderful—
I can’t take it all in!”

This phrase has been filtering my thoughts over the last few weeks.

It is too much sometimes, too wonderful to take it all in- that God answers our prayers, that we are able to have children who love the Lord, honor Him with their lives and guide their children to do the same.

When I think of how much God loves me, how many sins He has forgiven, how much mercy He has shown me, and the blessings He continues to give me, it overwhelms me.

When I consider the beauty and wonders of the earth that God has created for us to enjoy, it leaves me in awe.

When I contemplate all that God is doing in my life and in the lives of the people around me, it amazes me.

When I wrap my arms around one of my five beautiful granddaughters, I’m overcome with joy and gratitude.

When a friend takes the time to call and see how I’m doing, it humbles me.

When I realize how many people God has placed in my life who love me, bless me, and encourage me, I can hardly take it all in.

Take the time this week to take it all in….and thank the Lord for the countless blessings he has given you.

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God Is Not Surprised

Vol. 20 No. 39 | October 8, 2018

You may be surprised, after giving up all hope, that you found the person you’ve been searching for. But God isn’t surprised.

You may be stunned when you find out you are pregnant…with twins. But God isn’t stunned.

You may be shocked, hurt, and confused when you are terminated from your job. But God isn’t

It may have scared you when your doctor mentioned the possibility of cancer in your consultation. But God isn’t scared.

You may be amazed that the your former student, the one who gave all his teachers so many problems, is now running a thriving business that helps underprivileged children. But God isn’t amazed.

We may be alarmed about what is happening with our government and political leaders. But God isn’t.

If you find yourself confused, shocked, or scared by what is going on around you, spend a few minutes with these words:

You have searched me, Lord,
and you know me.

You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.

You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.

Before a word is on my tongue
you, Lord, know it completely.

You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain. (Psalm 139:1-6, NIV)

God knows why things happen as they do. He is not shocked by evil or caught off guard by goodness. God is not dazed when we choose or fail to trust and follow Him.

If you need a little more convincing that God is engaged in what is going on in our lives and the rest of the world, read more from Psalm 139. Then take comfort knowing that God is with us through all that has happened, is happening, and will happen…and He is not surprised.

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