OFFENDING THE GIFT

105 – MAY 2012

                     THINK ABOUT IT

                                                                            OFFFENDING THE GIFT

                  

 I was overwhelmed by all the bad news on TV and commented, “Without God, we are nothing but animals.”

To which, my friend replied, “That’s an insult to the animal kingdom.”

The animal kingdom is free from the horror stratum of human intelligence.  No animal wants to be a politician in order to pontificate their invaluable opinions.    None have a desire to amass territory and rule the world.   They don’t need to war against anyone in order to enforce their flawless religious or political views.    They don’t have the urge to wear a mask and cut off someone’s head, or to strap a bomb and wipe out a bunch of innocent men, women, and children.  

 Genesis 1:27  “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

           What the heck happened?  

Why, throughout history, has man offended this unique God given human intelligence?   There a lot of great answers but I will give you one the way that I answer a lot of questions lately, “I dunno!”   

Now - from a lighter and more personal stage, I have begun to evaluate Coco, our cat.    

I notice that she often rolls on her back for a bit of petting.    She meows and purrs and naps a lot.    She falls asleep easily … without a lot of tossing and turning!   She loves being alive and she judges no one!   

            There are no “uppers” or “downers” in her medicine cabinet.    Her mind seems to be free of any concerns or stresses regarding a success planned life.  She seems rather happy without being daily fixated to check the stock market.  She does not battle resentments or unforgiveness.  She has no thoughts of ending her life because of depression or hopelessness.   She has no lack of self-esteem (because she doesn’t know what that is).  She seems rather content!
             Coco has no Things-To-Do list and she has accumulated no “stuff!” - No lawnmower, no Rolex, no junk drawers, and no “living will” to distribute her accumulated wealth.    She has no cell phone.   No Facebook.  And, believe it or not, she even walks out of the TV room in the middle of “American Idol.”      
 
             Romans 12:2  Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
 
              With these thoughts in mind, I realize that I also offend the gift and need to transform to more Godly intellect.  I need to be more like Jesus.    I need to unseat myself from my glorious throne and become more compassionate, more forgiving, and more kind hearted.    

I certainly need to be more thankful!    Thankful for breathing!  Thankful for all the things that work!   And, especially thankful for my family and friends!   

Okay, I’m on a roll!   Stay with me a bit longer!  I need to be more lighthearted, more tolerant, and less know-it-all.    I need to spend time more wisely, talk less and listen more.   And I need to be more easily contented.   Yes! - I’m running out of space!

I need to take more time to close my eyes and smile and feel the presence of God in my life.  

Let’s “take inventory”!

            Eliminate:  “I wants”.     Add:  Serve.  Love.  Keep your nose clean.
            
             Maybe I should roll on my back and purr?   
             Maybe not!     Sorry!   That’s now a visual that you will want to get out your head!