I became both disappointed and sad… disappointed that I was trying my best to be a humanitarian, yet sad because my efforts were for naught. I finally gave up and drove my vehicle at the other fork in the road, wishing her the best and thinking that there would have been no reward for me in my failed effort anyway other than to feel better about myself….yeah, right.
This got me thinking about a question that was asked this weekend… is heaven the reward awaiting us when our time here on earth is done? Are we to endure the hardships in this lifetime and look to heaven as our ultimate reward for our “good behavior?” …if this is the case, then l don’t think l’m being all the Christian that I can be.
Take the reality shows…there are so many of these types of shows on TV nowadays.
There’s the ever-popular American Idol where a number of hopeful contestants are bellying out tunes, enduring harsh criticism for a slim chance of winning a singing contract. There’s the Survivor series where contestants are eliminated one by one for a chance to win a million-dollar prize. There’s America’s Next Top Model, Oprah’s Big Give, Top Chef, Real World, The Bachelor, Big Brother, Celebrity Apprentice….the list goes on and on.
…The central premise of all these shows? … face the hardships head-on and endure long enough for a chance to win the prize. Even then, despite all their efforts, there’s no guarantee that the prize is theirs.
I’m pretty sure that I will never be perfect this side of heaven, but it doesn’t mean that I couldn’t try. I can’t afford to be satisfied with the way I treat strangers, my children, my boss, my family, my friends. I have to keep striving to serve them better. I will work on overcoming my weaknesses whether it involves controlling my pride, cynicism, or tendency to rip people apart instead of encouraging them. I will not be content to think that I’ve done all I can to repair damaged relationships, even if it means swallowing my pride in doing so. I will pray for the Lord to help me repair them and then do something about it!
Paul the apostle said that he wanted to become more and more like Christ. For sure, that will be my goal in this lifetime.
Then maybe the next time I take a trip, I can trust that the person trying to get my attention has nothing but good intentions.
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14.
1 comment:
Dear Noel...I read your post yesterday and really wanted to comment but my computer was running so slow and it was taking forever to download.
Bernie fixed it for me and it is running a lot better now.
The person that you helped might have been just a bit scared.
At least she did acknowledge you, eh?
I remember once I was driving and a funeral procession was coming by the opposite direction.
I don't know about the American tradition but in Ontario, cars always stop to show respect as the funeral cars go by.
Well I was stopped and the guy behind me started to blow his horn at me, .
I thought, "How rude! Can't he just wait a bit until the grieving people go by?".
Well after I did start driving the guy was still blasting his horn, and pulling up beside me he said, "Hey lady, your tire belt must be broken. If you aren't careful the tire will blow!!"
Well needless to say Noel, I thanked him and right away I headed for the nearest tire shop to get it fixed!!.It was really in bad shape!
I don't think that you should have been disappointed or sad Noel. At least you did let the girl know.
I don't watch any of those reality shows. So many people get hurt feelings. Betty watches the idols and some of the things that that English guy says to the kids is way too mean. Betty tells me, and I say that guy just needs a good punch for being so mean and can HE even sing?
As for you Noel, I think that you are living for the Lord and you have helped so many people. Do you still live where those two elderly ladies rented you a place?
I think that they liked you.
Most young men would not even be bothered with old people but with you there is no generation gap!
I mean look how you listen to an old girl like me!..Ha!!
You HAVE endured many hardships dear Noel but you are overcoming them with the Lord's help and you will come out like pure gold and God is so proud of you!
Take care my friend.....Love Terry
PS..The one show that Bernie and I really enjoy is "Deal Or No Deal"
Last week it was held in the Filipinos and boy are those people ever a happy group. The models were beautiful and they wore their dresses right to their ankles. They were so sweet, and the audience was so alive and fun loving and and happy!
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