January 18th, 2012

No title…

I’m not really sure who reads what’s on this thing…I get asked a lot of “why” questions; I guess it comes with the territory of my career, a pastor for those that don’t know. The thing is, I honestly don’t have answers for most of the people that ask. Sure, I can answer the occasional Bible-based questions that are pretty standard, but what I can’t answer are the “Life-questions”. For example, “Why did this happen?” “Why me?” and other similar type questions, receive from me a sheepish, “I don’t know.” Should I? I mean, am I SUPPOSED to know and have the answer in some meaningful way for each of those that ask?
While this kind of struggle exist in some part for everyone, every once in a while we get the privilege of meeting a person that seems to be completely at peace with such questions. I currently have the privilege of knowing several of these kinds of people. These people, and believe me are, truly rare. Though a lot of people try, mostly that piece is an exterior facade. A lot of people know Nadine and Charlie, they are hard to ignore because of their generosity, constant smiles (singing and whistling from Charlie), and the ever-present desire of Nadine to put everyone on a bike. But to really know Nadine and Charlie is to know two people that do not ask the “why” questions about them selves. A lot of people know Nadine and Charlie, but I bet there are very few who can articulate that they have not often, if at all, have heard either of them ask the proverbial “life-question”. To put it simply, they are not complainers.
A couple of years ago, a lady in a store somewhere remembered that another lady stopped in with a little boy that just happened to LOVE all things bikes. One day out of the blue, that bike store lady called to give my son the opportunity of a life time - to go out and hang out and ride with some real-life BMX pros!! She remembered the lady with the kid, found the number, and called. From that day to this, I have learned that Nadine (and now Charlie) are two of the most self-less people I think I have yet to meet. So, I say all that to say this…the only answer I have in this life is like the Priest in the movie Rudy said; “There are two things I’m sure of…1. There is a God, and 2. it’s not me.” I can add a third thing I know, God has blessed me and my family with the privilege of friendship of Charlie, Nadine, and all their kids!
True strength of character is the person that can honestly admit that they can not do life on their own, everyone needs help. I believe in my friends. I believe in the power of prayer. I believe God wants us to pray for each other regardless of whatever circumstance we and our friends find themselves. Fears come and fears go. To be able to to say “Today I’m content” is an astounding statement because so few of us can say it AND mean it.
Today, Nadine and Charlie have a long day ahead, so do their boys. If you believe in prayer, would you be willing to pray for them? For strength mostly, I guess. They did not ask me to write this, and Nadine will tell you to pray for her boys…indeed, always a Mom.

Posted: 1 month ago