The man in the leather jacket

But God has shown me that I should never think of anyone as inferior.
—Acts 10:28-29

Ever met a real hero and not realized it? Truth be told, it happens every day!

I was flying back from Baltimore and the flights schedule was all messed up with weather delays. Standing in the boarding area, I passed the time doing what I sometimes find most intriguing…observing people; their demeanor, and deportment.

One elderly gentleman in a worn leather jacket stood out. He smiled a lot, and looked around making me wonder if he was sure of what was going on. Later I learned he was more than aware! Eventually a seat became open near him so I sat down and started to chat. He had a red cap on, that said Tuskegee, a name I recognized, but wanted to explore with him. Turns out my seat mate was Lt. Col. Gray who flew with distinction in the squadron known as the Tuskegee Airmen in World War II. A movie about the squadron, Red Tail, was just released.

Keeping Priorities Straight

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
—Matthew 6:33
 

With so much that you think needs doing, so many priorities competing for your attention, it is challenging to keep focused and to have your priorities straight. I encountered a neat little story in one of Mac Anderson’s Simple Truths books – Charging the Human Battery.

Every Sunday morning there is a HAM radio swap net where different operators from around the country tune in and share. I came across an older sounding chap, who was talking with someone about “a thousand marbles.” I was intrigued and stopped to listen.

“Well, Tom, it sure sounds like you're busy with your job. I'm sure they pay you well but it's a shame you have to be away from home and your family and have to work so much to make ends meet. Sixty hours a week is a lot! It's too bad you missed your daughter's dance recital,” he said; “Let me tell you something that has helped me keep my own priorities.”

And that's when he began to explain his theory of a “thousand marbles.”

2012 Is Here. Do You Feel Lucky? Well Do Ya?

What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? ... Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? ... Nothing in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God!
—Romans 8:31-35

2011 is gone; the year that, according to Google, is the one most people would like to forget! Now we look at 2012, through the same wearied and worried eyes, increasing media sound hype and wonder. You wonder; will I be luckier in 2012 than I was in 2011?

Looking forward at 2012 is kind of like having Clint Eastwood hold a gun on you and ask; “Well do ya feel lucky punk?”

How it feels and how it is in reality are two quite different things. Your world view and your faith view determine how events are framed in your mind and heart and consequently inform how you feel about them.