Blue Adonis/Photo by Tom Hickmore
There’s not a person on the planet who had a perfect year in 2010. Every one could tell you that bad things happened. They could tell you of good things. One thing is certain:
If you are reading this, you are alive. Since no one under a year old can read this, God has given you another year of life.
We have been given a gift.
Will all who read this be alive to say the same thing when the last few hours of 2011 wind down?
Only God knows.
A good question to ask would be about how we’ve used this gift. This post is going to leave that topic alone and only focus on the gift itself.
2011 holds no guarantees of life for anyone.
For some, 2010 has been pretty tough. I’m over 50. I understand, a bit, what tough times are. The butterfly that follows me around the internet represents a real one that appeared during a tough day that happened years ago.
I don’t put a great deal of emphasis on whether God caused that butterfly to flutter by on that tough day. I do put a great deal of importance on the Words of God which the butterfly reminded me of.
You have had tough days like that. What do you turn to at such times?
You probably know people who are sick and poor. You probably know people who are very sad. Their sadness may come from their family problems or their loneliness. You may even know someone who has been told by doctors they have less than a year to live.
I got a phone call today about a family member in such a situation.
In the greatest sermon ever preached, Jesus said, “Do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself.” (1)
No one knows what 2011 will bring.
We do know that God allowed us life in 2010.
There is a flip side to these comments about life.
Can we say with the great Apostle: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain?” (2)
What an excellent way to live!!!
How does one have such an attitude?
The fruits of the Holy Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (3)
Faith comes from one source.
“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” (4)
Praise be to God for His Word and for the gift of 2010!!!
Chris Reimers
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(1) Matt. 6:34
(2) Philippians 1:21
(3) Galatians 5:22-23
(4) Romans 10:17
(5) http://apprising.org/2010/12/30/the-emerging-church-is-unaware-its-dead
Note: Today, an internet post by an “emergent” source used a picture of a butterfly. I am in strong opposition to the movement within many “Christian” churches called “Contemplative Spirituality/Mysticism” that hides itself behind various names. It has taken the focus off of Biblical Christianity and has put emphasis upon mere subjective feelings. Many of these “emerging” practices are Buddhist, Hindu, and “New Age” in nature. (5)
Wings of the Wind 
Happy New Year, Chris!
This was a comforting read. A wonderful reminder to just rest in Him. All we are called do is seek His face, know and love Him then obey His promptings. Everything else will fall into place.
I’d love to know the story behind your butterfly some day. I’m a “butterfly gardener” myself (which means planting all the host plants on which butterflies lay their eggs – each species has their specific plant family). I was once told that my front yard looks like a Disney forest scene for all the fluttering creatures visiting there. Truly, they are one of the most marvelous teachings from creation on our new birth in Christ.
Thank you for the thought-provoking post.
Hi!
Folks blog for many reasons.
I do it as a hobby, for therapy, and to share my thoughts with others.
It is always nice to get a response like this.
I don’t usually write about personal stuff except for my opinions about things. After reading a few of your posts, I think you are a good writer. This opinion makes your compliment all the more satisfying. Of course, the best thing is that you believe in “our new birth in Christ.” What pleasure and peace we get from the generous and unconditional love of our risen Lord!
This summer you must take a picture or two of your garden visitors and post them on your blog!
As far as sharing the story…by the grace of God that day was as close to hell as I’ll ever get.
Since I ended 2010 with a bit of the reason for the butterfly, maybe I’ll end 2011 with the rest.
If I haven’t been called home.
Happy New Year, Pearl!!!
God’s blessings…
“This summer you must take a picture or two of your garden visitors and post them on your blog!”
Hmmmm…good idea!