Hey Guys,
I hope you had a great Thanksgiving. It was my first year to experience a child coming home for the holidays, so that was different and great at the same time.
One of my families many hobbies are to watch movies together. The more meaningful the movie, the bigger the chance is that we will all go together to see it in the theater.
So, this weekend, we all had the urge to see Hugo. I had read that it will be a classic and it is in my book. So, my question to you is: what makes things a classic?
A classic has to reach down deep into our souls and touch something, or awaken something. Something we wish we could experience every day of our lives.
One of the most common themes of classics is that things are not always what they seem. That little sweet grandma is really an evil witch, there Hansel. Grandma sure has some big teeth (why do we pick on grandmas so much, btw?). That ring that is so plain holds the power over Middle Earth if it falls into the wrong hands. That horrible man that is such a skinflint was actually a great boy that got done wrong so many times that he lost all hope of a normal life and shut out all of his relationships except the one with money.
We recognize those kinds of stories because it’s the story we are living in. We know the power of the blows against our heart that cause us to give up on our dreams. We feel like we have so much more to offer than the world knows. If only…… seems to be a common cry of our hearts.
What does Christianity say to all of this? It’s the story of Christianity also. That snake in the garden with the great proposal? He’s out to destroy the human race.
That little boy? He’s a giant killer. That shepherd in need of a speech pathologist? He will lead millions on one of the greatest epic journeys of all time. That baby born out there with all the animals? He’s the savior of the world.
I received an email recently about a janitor at the Air Force Academy that was treated, well, like a janitor, like someone that didn’t matter as long as he did his job. Someone found out that he had won a medal of honor in WWII and everyone’s attitude towards him changed.
My question is this- why does someone have to do something grand before we treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve as being one of God’s creations? One of His beloved.
My next question is a little more hopeful. What is there about you that is not what it seems on the surface? What God-given gifts are you hiding? What would you love to share with everyone, but feel like no one wants it?
Here is something to try while we go into the holidays and lots of family gatherings. Look around and try to draw out those that don’t seem to be offering much. They may be like lots of us and are just waiting for an invitation or permission to be the person God made them to be.
Here’s to seeing the truth about yourself
Alex
Remember
Band of Brothers 6:00 Friday mornings, the warehouse
Opportunities to server abound at New Heights.
Small group leaders for adults and youth, children’s ministry workers, set up, take down crew, greeting, Potters House, and the list goes on and on.
If you feel like getting involved, pull someone aside and ask. You won’t have to ask many people before someone finds something for you to do.
