The follow was
originally written in 2007 for an employee newsletter where I worked at the
time.
“Work
like you don’t need the money, love like you've never been hurt, and dance like
no one is watching.” [1]
Fall is here. The
leaves have changed, the air has finally cooled, and those events of summer
have started to fade in our memories. As
we approach the end of November, we look forward to celebrations, family
gatherings, new seasons of hunting, great college and pro football games, and the
holiday shopping season.
Well, we don’t all look forward to all of those things, but
I imagine that there is something in that list for everyone.
I really enjoy looking forward to new experiences, new
opportunities, and new challenges. And
although I enjoy studying history, I don’t enjoy looking back at the events in
my life. At least not most of the time, but there is one time when looking back
is not only necessary, it is essential if one is to look to the future with
optimism and hope.
Thanksgiving requires us to look back at the last year and
to take stock of the blessings that we have experienced. For me, this time of reflection on the past
day, week, month, season, or year helps me to see where God has been at work in
my life. I am often amazed during these
reflections at how those times of crisis, fear, and loss; appear now, to be
times when God’s faithfulness, God’s strength, and God’s love were the most
productive in my life. And in seeing God
at work in my life, I find that the coming day, week, month, or year, although
perhaps filled with danger, holds opportunities and hope. God is faithful and God’s love never
fails.
It is this knowledge that allows one to follow the wisdom of
Satchel Page. “Work like you don’t need
the money, love like you’ve never been hurt, and dance like no one is
watching.”
Now that is something to be thankful for.
I pray that you have a blessed and safe holiday season and
that you can give thanks for all the blessings of your life, including the
ability to see God at work in your life.
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