Maybe It’s Time to Laugh Again

A Norvell Note

April 1, 2024 Vol. 28 No. 13

Maybe It’s Time to Laugh Again

Someone recently gave me Charles R. Swindoll’s book Laugh Again, which is based on Paul’s joyful letter to the Philippians. The complete title is Maybe It’s Time to Laugh Again. Experience Outrageous Joy. I’m gradually working my way through it again. I’m not sure how many times I’ve read it since it was published in 1992.

Philippians is one of four or five places in Scripture that I regularly return to when I need to refocus my mind, renew my attitude, and refresh my spirit. Receiving the book has been a good reminder of the line in the title: Maybe it’s time to…laugh again.

Maybe it is. Life gets serious. Then, some of us make it even more serious than it needs to be.

Paul said it over and over, “Rejoice. Rejoice. Again, I say, rejoice.” “Laugh again.” “Lighten up.”

I occasionally end a challenging day of depressing news, sad messages from friends or family, and tough work situations by watching an episode of my favorite sitcom. It helps me laugh a little before going to bed.

There are certain cartoons I check out and share via texts or social media.

A co-worker shared a good joke last week, and I shared it in three different settings before the end of the day.

Yes, it is time to laugh again. Look for reasons to laugh. Then, laugh and enjoy the laugh.

Tom

Stay In Your Lane

A Norvell Note

March 25, 2024 Vol. 28 No. 12

Stay In Your Lane

I like it when people stay in their lane.

I recently had a medical procedure. When we entered the door, a lady behind the window asked me to sign and sit. A few minutes later, another lady behind the same window called my name, took my ID and medical information, placed a wristband on my left wrist, and asked me to sit.

After a brief wait, another lady called my name and escorted me to the prep area. There, a nurse waiting for me hooked me up to some of the equipment, gave me instructions on getting ready, closed the curtain, and told me to say, “I’m ready,” when I was ready. I did that and said, “I’m ready.”

Another nurse who had been entering my information into the computer continued and asked many questions about my health history and medications. The first nurse brought Kim back to wait with me. As we were chatting, the doctor explained the procedures and reassured us that everything would go well. A short time later, the anesthesiologist came to ask a few questions and explain what I would be experiencing.

A few minutes later, two other people came to take me to the surgery room. Kim and I kissed and said I love you and they rolled me to the operating room. There, I was greeted by a nurse who hooked me to the machines and gave me oxygen as the anesthesiologist quietly started the anesthesia meds. I drifted away in a peaceful sleep.

When I woke up, a nurse (along with Kim) greeted me and helped me get ready to leave. Once I was awake and dressed, a young man was there to roll me out the door.

I like it when people stay in their lanes.

No one fought to do a different job. The nurse in the operating room did not complain because she was not the doctor or the receptionist. The doctor did not fuss about his job or pout about working on Wednesday morning. The next day, I received an email asking about how I was doing and if I needed to speak with a nurse.

I like it when people stay in their lane.

Not only do I like it when medical team members stay in their lanes, but I really like it when the members of the Body of Christ do the same. And it seems God likes it, too.

”For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.“ (Romans 12:3-8 NIV)

Use the gifts God gave you. Serve in your area of giftedness. Find your lane and stay in it; you will enjoy it, and so will everyone else.

Tom

Where Do I Start?

A Norvell Note

March 11, 2024 Vol. 28 No. 11

Where Do I Start?

Where do I start?

Sometimes, when the piles of clutter in my study become more than I can tolerate or a closet is stuffed to overflow, I am prone to stare at the clutter and ask, where do I start?

Many of my articles start with those words. Thoughts, images, memories, ideas, and dreams fill my head, and I don’t know where to start. Then, I start.

Some of my days start with those words. Making to-do lists and setting schedules of things that need to be done and things that I hope to do can become overwhelming. Then, I start.

Some of my journal entries start with those words. “Father, where do I start? Here’s what I’m grateful for. Here’s the people on my mind. Here’s my list of concerns. Here are my requests and my hopes for the day.” Then, I move through the day.

When life gets too much, and I’m unsure what to do, I ask, where do I start? The message I hear from the Lord is, start here; start now. Take one step.

Tom

The Plans Changed

A Norvell Note

March 4, 2024 Vol. 28 No. 10

The Plans Changed

The birthday plan was simple. Take the day off from work, sleep late, have coffee, have a quiet time, and catch up on email. Then, take a walk in the spring weather, catch up on writing projects, make a few phone calls, relax, maybe go to the driving range to hit some balls, and enjoy the day.

He indeed enjoyed that day if the Lord laughs when we make plans. Almost nothing turned out as planned. Interruptions, malfunctions, and uncooperative people replaced the peaceful plans with frustration, anxiety, and anger.

A late afternoon phone conversation, a pleasant dinner, many Happy Birthday notes, and a Celtic win improved the day’s mood.

The pity party lingered for another day or so. There was whining, pouting, regret, and even some oh-poor-me-ism—such a crybaby.

The pouting stopped when I watched a news story showing masses of starving people scrambling to reach the food dropped from the sky.

It all changed while glancing out the window at a busy intersection to see a family asking for help, as the children surrounded their dad in a wheelchair, laughing and playing as if they didn’t have a care in the world.

The whining stopped while watching a son lean over the bed of his deceased Dad, putting his hand on Dad’s head and telling him, “I love you” for the last time.

The oh-poor-me-ism completely faded while sitting with a tearful wife weeping because she didn’t know how to tell the love of her life goodbye.

Some days, even birthdays, don’t always go according to plan. This is no tragedy. Instead of whining and complaining, consider how blessed you are. Look for the joy in the day. Let God use you to bring joy to someone else.

Tom

Use Me, Lord!

A Norvell Note

February 26, 2024 Vol. 28 No. 9

Use Me, Lord!

It’s a simple prayer that almost always gets answered. If you pray this simple prayer, make sure you mean it because the Lord will answer this prayer. Use me, Lord!

If you pray the prayer, keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities because they will be there.

This prayer carries a similar sentiment.

Lead me to some soul today
O teach me, Lord, just what to say
Friends of mine are lost in sin
And cannot find their way

Few there are who seem to care
And few there are who pray
Melt my heart and fill my life
Give me one soul today. ^[1]

If you pray these words, the Lord will send you a soul and teach you what to say. If you ask God to use you, He will.

If you pray these prayers, you may see the homeless family at the intersection that you’ve ignored all the other times you’ve driven past them. You may notice the elderly lady sitting alone in church and ask if you can sit with her.

If you pray these prayers, you may be surprised at how your attitude toward people and perspective changes. Don’t ignore the prompt to notice people; be available and willing to use your gifts and talents to do good.

It’s a simple prayer. Pray it, then let Him use you. Then, say, “Thank You, Lord.”

Tom

^[1] Contemporary Christian Music

So Do Not Fear

A Norvell Note

Vol. 28 No. 8

2-19-24

So Do Not Fear

The day began with a prayer of gratitude and a request for words for an article.

A Bible lesson from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount offered assurance that the results of this year’s election are no cause for fear.

A glance at the blue band on my right wrist that says: “No fear.”

An almost forgotten quote resurfaced, “What would you do differently today if you were not afraid.”

A post from social media with these words from Isaiah.

So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.^[1]

The message is clear: God’s Kingdom is alive and well; fear will consume and paralyze you, so do not fear.

Tom

^[1] Isaiah 41:10

Waiting for the Number

A Norvell Note

Vol. 28 No. 7

2-12-24

Waiting for the Number

When people enter the waiting area, they must put numbers into a computer to receive a ticket with a number on it. This is the number by which they will be called to a window with a number above it. Each ticket has a letter preceding the number. Each person holds on to their ticket and the documents they brought as if they contain life or death information. In some ways, I suppose it does.

The room is full. All the chairs are taken. A few are standing. Rich people. Poor people. Anxious people. People who are in a hurry and do not want to wait. One who feels the need to express his frustration and loudly offers his opinion on improving the process. Some are content to sit and wait.

All eyes are on the screen at the front of the room. On the left side of the screen is a row of numbers, each with one of the two letters preceding the number. Everyone was waiting for their number to be called.

When a number is called, a sigh of relief replaces the anxiety on that person’s face. A round of applause would be appropriate, but that rarely happens. Everyone else waits for their number to be called.

Life is sometimes like the waiting room. Some people live as if they are in a room waiting for their number to be called by a stranger sitting in a room on the other side of a glass window. They anxiously wait and wonder, “Is anyone back there?” “Is anyone working?” “Why is this taking so long?” Some give up and leave because the wait is too long.

That’s not the way it is with God. us. The waiting is life. God doesn’t want to sit in a room waiting for a number to be called. He wants his followers to live and actively share His love and goodness. There is no need for anxiety and doubt. As a child of God, He will call your name. So relax and enjoy the wait.

Tom

What He Prayed

A Norvell Note

Vol. 28 No. 5

2-5-24

What He Prayed

The fact that Jesus took time to pray for His followers shortly before he went to the cross is humbling and astonishing. Now consider what he prayed.

He prayed for His followers to have joy. (6-13)

He prayed for His followers to be protected from the evil one. (14-16)

He prayed for His followers to be made holy. (17-10

He prayed for His followers to know unity. (20-26)

But the first thing He prayed for was for His followers to know Him.

Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. (John 17:3)

He wanted those who were and would become His followers to experience Him completely, not just know about Him. Not just memorize His words and stories so you can repeat them and sound like You know Him.

Knowing someone is dramatically different from knowing about them. Jesus wants His followers to know Him so that we can help others know Him.

He prayed for His followers to know Him. This is eternal life. Is there anything more important?

Tom

He Prayed for Us

A Norvell Note

Vol. 28 No. 5 – 1-29-24

He Prayed for Us

One of the most touching passages in the Bible is John chapter 17, which begins with these words: “After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:” Then, He began to pray for His followers, He began to pray for you and me.

Pause a minute and take that thought in. Jesus Christ, not long before He went to the cross, took time to pray for you.

Throughout my life, I have had the opportunity to pray for countless people. Some by request, some simply because I knew they were struggling. It was from a stage up front, sometimes in their home, sometimes from beside their bed in a hospital room or their home, and many times from the quiet of my study. I am always honored and humbled to pray for people. It’s not unusual for them to respond with gratitude and a reminder of how much it meant for me to pray for them.

There have been many times when the roles change. I’ve asked for prayers from friends, family members, and strangers. Many have prayed for me without me requesting or knowing. It is always appreciated and humbling. Thank you when you have prayed for me, and I hope you will never stop.

So, when I read that Jesus “looked toward heaven and prayed,” I realized that His prayer was partly for me. That is a lot to take in. It also reminds me that praying for others and knowing that others pray for me is no small matter.

During my years of preaching in Brunswick, Georgia, Mrs. Mamie would remind me every time I visited her at home or in the hospital, she would take my hand as she walked out the door at the end of a sermon of this verse: “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. “(James 5:16) And usually she would add, “You keep praying for me.”

So, are you praying for others? Who are you praying for? Do they know you are praying for them? Are you asking others to pray for you? Jesus reminds us that it’s a good thing.

Let’s keep praying for each other.

Tom

Under Construction

A Norvell Note

Vol. 28 No. 4

1-22-24

Under Construction

Driving through our neighborhood and the surrounding community, you will see construction. Houses, apartments, businesses, schools, and a senior living center are being constructed. In the fifteen months since we moved into our neighborhood, we have seen the area change dramatically. You are seeing the same growth in your area.

I look at the new streets, concrete slabs, and wooden frames and wonder what they will be. As the construction progresses, the buildings take shape, and it becomes clear.

The same curiosity exists when I look at people.

A baby is born, and I wonder what she will be. She grows and matures and eventually takes her place in the adult world.

When a young man graduates from high school, some are amazed, some are confident that he will do well. But no one knows for sure.

You watch a young person receive her degree and walk off the stage into the world of professionals, hoping and praying that she will thrive.

A couple stands before God, family, and friends, filled with dreams and plans. We don’t know what kind of marriage they will have or if they will survive.

Before the first shovel of dirt is moved, we, as observers, try to imagine what the completed structure will look like, what it will be. Whether I know or can envision the finished product is not important. The builder knows.

Before a human being takes a breath, we try to imagine who and what they will be. The one who knows for sure what a building will look like and what it will be when it is completed in the builder. The Creator is the only One who knows what a person will be. That’s what is important.

He knows who I am, where I am, who I will be, and where I will be. That’s good enough for me.

“God, investigate my life;
    get all the facts firsthand.
I’m an open book to you;
    even from a distance, you know what I’m thinking.
You know when I leave and when I get back;
    I’m never out of your sight.
You know everything I’m going to say
    before I start the first sentence.
I look behind me and you’re there,
    then up ahead and you’re there, too—
    your reassuring presence, coming and going.
This is too much, too wonderful—
    I can’t take it all in! (Psalm 139:1-6)

Tom

A Norvell Note

February 26, 2024 Vol. 28 No. 9

Use Me, Lord!

A Norvell Note

Vol. 28 No. 8

2-19-24

So Do Not Fear

A Norvell Note

Vol. 28 No. 7

2-12-24

Waiting for the Number

A Norvell Note

Vol. 28 No. 5

2-5-24

What He Prayed

A Norvell Note

Vol. 28 No. 5 – 1-29-24

He Prayed for Us

A Norvell Note

Vol. 28 No. 4

1-22-24

Under Construction

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