Pondering Truth

I enjoy honest inquiry. I enjoy passionate people discussing topics of importance. I enjoy people who think and speak fearlessly. Truth is worth asking questions, discussing ideas, and speaking plainly.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t like arguing and fussing. I don’t like people who babble and yak about things of which they have made no genuine study or given no considerable thought.

“We the people” must square off face-to-face with one another and seek truth. Truth must prevail in our homes, on our jobs, in our cities and in our nation.

Only the strong can face the truth.

Pondering a Cowardly Act

It’s a cold night in southern Indiana. The wind cuts through your clothes and brings goose pimples to your skin and a pain in your bones. When it’s cold like this, the night seems darker and longer.

Tonight is going to be an even longer night for the families of Officers Longhorn and Broady, police officers with the Jeffersonville Police Department. These brave men were serving our community and were ambushed by a coward. One was shot in the chest, and the other was shot in the leg. A man hunt is underway to find the sorry coward that did it.

I ask each of you reading this blog to pray for these men and their families.

Pondering Sacrifice

It’s a sunny, cold day in Southern Indiana. The snow and ice storm have left many still without power. Men and women from the utility companies are braving the cold and working around the clock to restore power.

I work across the river in Louisville, KY. Our restaurant has been flooded with customers looking for a warm place to just sit and enjoy a hot meal and a cup of steaming coffee or hot chocolate. The work crews are there, too. These folks, utility workers and the KY National Guard, have left their homes, their families, and, in many cases, their own power troubles behind to help other people. Interestingly, so has my crew. Many of my cooks, servers, cashiers, and dish washers are without power, some even have trees sticking out of their houses or apartments. Nonetheless, they are working to help other people.

This kind of attitude that serves others while possibly needing to be served is called sacrifice.

Isn’t it funny how we often overlook the spirit of sacrifice until disaster strikes us? Or do we think sacrifices are not made on a daily basis? Our troops sacrifice everyday. The men and women of the police, fire, and EMS services make daily sacrifices. Parents sacrifice for their children, social workers for their charges, teachers for their students, and the list goes on and on. So why does sacrifice seem so much more important in times of tragedy?

I think the answer lies within us. For most of us, we get so wrapped up in our world, our responsibilities, and our problems that we fail to notice the sacrifices being made by others. I don’t think this is a heart issue. That is, most people are not uncaring of the sacrifices made by others, we just don’t take the time to see those sacrifices. When misfortune smacks us right in the face, we have more time to notice and appreciate.

I wonder what the world would be like if we all made an effort to notice how others daily forfeit their own wants, needs, and desires in order to make our own lives better? I wonder, too, what the world would be like if we did not forget so quickly the sacrifices of others?

Why don’t you join me in showing some appreciation? Let’s turn the world upside down by giving thanks to the people in our lives that are making sacrifices for us? Let me get us started…
God… the Father, Son, and Spirit…thank you for the sacrifices you have made for me. I don’t understand all that you have done, but thank you for counting me worthy enough to surrender your heart for my good.
My wife…Debbie…thank you for giving so much of yourself each day for me, for standing beside me, loving me, supporting me. I know you have hopes, dreams, and desires for your life. Thank you for including me in those dreams.
My sons…Joey and Shane…thank you for being more sons than any man has a right to have. You are my heart personified.
My daughters-in-laws…Karen and Candice…thank you for loving my sons so dearly. Your love has made them more complete in everyway. And thank you for loving your in-laws, too.
My friends…thank you. Without you, my life would be a lot less pleasant.
To all whose name I do not know…thank you. Your sacrifices for me make my life better.
To everyone…thank you. I will try to do a better job of recognizing your sacrifices. I will never be able to repay you for what your sacrifices are worth, but I will give you my sincere and honest gratitude for all you do.

Now you try it! It feels good.