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Thursday, September 04, 2008
Thoughts from the Morning of 9.4.08 Neighbors: My neighbor’s wife died. A couple of weeks ago, I saw him in the grocery store and he told me she had cancer. He knows I’m a pastor and he asked for prayer for her. This morning I saw him walking his dog and I inquired about his wife. He said she passed away on June 11. From the time she was diagnosed with cancer, she died 3 months later. While I was on my way to work, I became overcome with tears and I cried. My heart was filled with sadness. • I was sad for him - now he will be alone. He’s an older gentleman who walks his little dog each morning. I could hear the sadness in his voice as he talked about the situation. After I asked how she was doing, he immediately looked down and said she passed. • I was sad because I had done so little to get to know him in the two and a half years he has been my neighbor. I had seen him several times and we even golfed together once, but I had not done more to get to know him. To let the light of Christ shine. I know at one time he had attended my church but I don’t know much else about his spiritual condition. • I was sad that I didn’t know more about his spiritual condition and more specifically, the condition of his wife souls. Is she in heaven or not? I don’t know, but I should have found out before know, before June 11. Did I miss an opportunity? • I was sad because, I don’t even remember his name! All of these thoughts ran through my mind on my short drive to work. It made me realize, I need to get to know my neighbors. Jesus gave us the command to love the Lord with all of heart, mind and strength and then to love our neighbor as ourselves. How could I say I love my neighbors when I don’t even remember their name and neglected to show that I even cared in the midst of one of life’s toughest trials?! Get to know your neighbors. Children: I had Trey, Michael and Mason in the car with me and my two oldest could tell dad was a little upset. They asked a few questions about death and cancer and did the best they could for a 5 year old and 7 year old to process this deep stuff. But, I was so impressed at their childlike faith. When I suggested we pray for our neighbor, Michael said we should pray that God gives him his wife back. Trey actually said he wanted to pray after I prayed and his prayer for our neighbor was that God helps him to not be lonely. They showed more love for their neighbor than I had. Birth: Two weeks ago, we had our fourth little boy – Joshua Payton. He was 8 pounds, 13 ounces and he was 21 inches long. To say that I’m a proud papa would be an understatement. He is so beautiful and I love him so much. Before Ang and I even started to have kids, I always told everyone that I wanted 11 boys - my own football team. After we had Trey, I brought that number down to 5 boys – my own basketball team. Then after our third child, Mason, arrived, I was content to settle at just one more. So, now our life is what it is. We are the parents of 4 beautiful, healthy, wonderful boys. Words can’t express how blessed I am! Why in the world would God bless me with a desire of my heart? What’s his plan for my life, my family and the life of my boys? I have to think there is a reason our family is made up the way it is. I can’t wait for him to reveal his plan in the coming years. God is the giver of life and he has a plan for all of us – we just have to seek him to find out what that plan is. Birthdays: Yesterday was Angie’s Birthday. I felt bad for her because it was really a non-birthday. I was at church from 8am – 10:30pm. When I got home, she went to bed – exhausted from the day of being a mom to 4 kids. She has been worn out from dealing with Joshua – our 2 week old. He’s not eating very well and not sleeping very much at night. We were quickly reminded that for a 30 something year old parent of 4 kids, birthdays are just another day. Friendships: God has blessed Ang and me with so many wonderful friends. I would do them an injustice if I started to list them all because I know I would leave someone out. I am thankful for family friends like Julie Issenmann. She has been a part of our family for about 8 years now and Ang and I and the boys love her to death! She has the heart of an angel and she shows crazy love for my family. She has helped us and supported us in so many ways and we will forever be grateful and thankful for her. Everyone needs a friend like Julie Issenmann in their life. Old Friends: Last night on my way home from a long day of work, I called one of my old friends that I haven’t seen in 10 years or so. His name is Damon Frost, we used to work together. Damon taught me how to become a good salesman. When I was in college I started working at MCI doing telemarketing sales. Damon was one of the top sales people and I was fortunate enough to sit right across from him. After I had been there a few weeks I received my first commission check and I was pretty excited about it. I worked part time, only 20 hours a week, and my paycheck for the 2 weeks was $544. Damon noticed my excitement and asked to see my check and then he gave a chuckle. I asked him what was so funny. He told me when I learned to sell I would make some real money. He then handed me his pay stub that revealed he had made over $1400 for the same 2 week, period. I was a believer and from that point on I listened to every thing he told me to do. Damon went on from there to get married, have kids and move to Kansas City, MO where he and his wife still live. At the time I knew him, he wasn’t a Christian. But a few years ago he revealed to me that he and his family are now born again believers and are actively involved in his church. Last night while talking with him, I could see the fruit of his work. He told me about another young lady that used to work with us years ago at MCI who was recently diagnosed with cancer. He asked me to pray diligently for her and informed me of all the work he and his wife were doing to minister to her and meet her spiritual and physical needs. What a blessing that phone call was to me. I’m glad I placed that phone call to see how my friend was doing. Why don’t you pick up the phone and call an old friend today. Word... Pasta' Alex posted by Pasta' Alex # 1:21 PM   Comments: Post a Comment << Home |
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