Remember!

Lest we forget, .. Pearl Harbor caught us unprepared, and we pay less attention every year.  How long before we forget "9-11"?  Life must go on, but if we fail to learn from present and past, we will repeat what we either failed or missed opportunity for.

I was able to finally visit this memorial, in 2005, and it was truly a solemn occasion as both Americans and Japanese, veterans and citizens stood shoulder to shoulder, silently remembering the terrible tragedy of Pearl Harbor's attack.  I'm certain both, had to wonder what we were pondering as we paid our respects the those who lost their lives.

The remains of the sunken ship Arizona lies beneath, and even today, an oil slick is present and seeping from below, where soldiers/sailors are entombed.  We don't realize the price paid for freedom, not just our own but others, but freedom is not free.

Our freedom from sin's penalty was not free.  Jesus gave his life to buy us back from bondage and slavery to sin and it's penalties.  I am yet thankful for His gift to me.  Shall I not give Him my best for taking my place, offering my life, knowing I should have death?  For Christ I die daily, that I may live for Him.

Thanks be to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost.

2010 Turning Point

What do we do when everday is crammed with more than one day's schedule can handle?  When looking at the long range picture, what will matter 24 hours from now, or what will matter a month from now, ... how about 6 months, or a year?  What will matter in eternity?

If you have read the previous blog, it's easy to see this year has had it's challenges, along with rewards, but none the less, we haven't lacked for challenges.  How much we have taken on to handle, becomes part of our everyday thoughts and concerns, even with great expectations as a motivation.  What escapes "me" sometimes is the current level of ability to multi-task or juggle the choices that are not mine, with choices that my seem inviting.  "There is a way that seems right ...." at times, and, I've realized (more than once) that what "seems" right may have brought "overload" to the commitments already in progress.

Long story shortened, I have as of today, made a choice to let go of a commitment that when presented originally, seemed like the thing to do and it would provide help where help is needed.

Need is not the best reason many times to make a commitment.  While I do not regret jumping into the process, I see now I can provide only so much for so many, and pleasing others is not the way to evaluate accomplishments.  Sometimes that comes from pride, sometimes, just good intentions.  I became burdened beyond my own capacity to fulfill and no longer had the peace of the process.  I don't know that I missed God, ... just that while learning some valuable "information", I also lost the joy of the race.

Today, I let go of that commitment, and find already the peace of the process in living up to what is mine "first to do" and all else will take it's place in line, or be left for others who are able to handle "in peace".

Is anyone disappointed in me for that choice?  That will be for others to "deal with" and understand.  While "I can do all things through Christ", I'm not required to do everything others may expect.  Did I go back on my word?  Not!  I did work toward a goal that was based on unknown factors, and am now satisfied I gave it my best.

Today I continue with what is mine to do with a better focus, and with less distraction to what comes first.  My race continues.