Focus on Eternity

       You never know when God is giving you a story to tell.  But being astute to the likelihood that God can use us in a mighty way with our stories should keep us alert to the possibilities that God may be giving any of us a story to tell today.  A few weeks ago, we openly requested that our small group members consider sharing their conversion stories.  We didn’t know as we gathered that I would ask this question; it was more a prompting that led to this decision.  A few were apologetic about the length of their explanation; most were compelling while others meandered, making it more difficult to comprehend any content that might be memorable.  It made me wonder why I, myself, hadn’t given much thought to how I might tell my story in the most impactful way.  Does that seem odd to consider that the intention of our most compelling stories should be to make an impact on others?  Let me digress for just a moment.      Last evening, we decided to watch a family movie.   It wasn’t one

            This morning, I was reminded by a notification that two people, who are important to me, were celebrating birthdays.   I rely on reminders.   When given a chance to recall, I can reminisce about fond memories I hold.   I remembered the birth of my youngest cousin born this day.   I rejoiced in the memory of a friendship God granted through small group fellowship of a dear friend who moved away.     In addition to birthday reminders, I observed a precious picture in social media that commemorated four generations; the youngest pictured is gravely ill and may soon be reunited with her godly Great Grandmother (my childhood Sunday School teacher).   It is good to consider what memories allow us to do.   My children are in school.   They will rely on their memories to acquire information long enough to take a test, indicating that they have minds that can retain information at least for a short time.   How much high school World History or Middle School Algebra do you remember?

       This weekend I assigned a writing assignment to one of my daughters to clarify what is on her heart’s desire on a family matter.   Often when we have conversations, it is difficult for her to articulate what she wants or needs.   We had a brief discussion after she shared her thoughts with me.   This morning after completing my Bible study, I decided to return and re-read her response.   I was amazed at her ability to articulate on paper an answer to what I had requested of her.   As a parent, I am interested in addressing our girls with good responses to their heart’s desires, but we know that there is a time to say yes, a time to say no, and a time to say not yet.   God is so good to give us what we need when we need it.   I had not anticipated that I would receive a lesson from God’s Word so quickly this morning following the conversation that I had with my daughter just 24 hours ago.        The passage I read from the Old Testament was in Esther and from the New Testament,