Really Good!

I am going to ask you to do something today.  It won't come natural.  It won't be status quo.  It won't be upheld by the powers that be.  It won't be affirmed by talk radio, the news media or even our political leaders.  In fact, what I am asking you to do will be opposed by all of these things.  But ... let's do it anyway!

"Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things that are true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious ... the best, not the worst ... the beautiful, not the ugly ... things to praise, not to curse.  Put into practice the things you have learned from me, what you heard, saw and realized.  Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into His most excellent harmonies. (Phil.4:8-9, The Message)"

This is Paul's advice to the people of Philippi.  And it is good advice for us.  Most of us dwell on things that could be summed up as "our troubles."  Yes, there is evil.  Yes, there are things every day that rail against good and against our best interests.  And both the facade of evil and the mirage of good dell in our imaginations ... not so much in reality.  Simone Weil said, "Imaginary evil is romantic and varied ... real evil is gloomy, monotonous, barren and boring.  Imaginary good is boring ... real good is new, marvelous and intoxicating."

So today, let's follow God's word as recommended by Paul.  Let's stop dwelling in both imagined and real evil.  Let's see the good things God has for us today.

Yesterday morning we had a packing party to feed our BFF (Backpacks for Friday) kids.  At least 30 of you pitched in and, in the midst of what the pessimistic observer might have viewed as organized-chaos, 400 bags were packed to feed 100 kids for an entire month of weekends.  Those kids will come to school on Mondays with energy, alertness and the ability to focus on learning.  We will refine the process over the next few months and the packing will become easier.  But your participation, prayers and giving to BFF fall into the categories of true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling and gracious.  Yesterday brought out our best, our beautiful and our praiseworthy.  We put into practice God's word and God's plan.  And I believe we were in harmony with God's excellent plan.  Let's do it again today!  Randy