Little bits go long ways...

Did you know that January 21st is National Hugging Day? It just so happens that this year, it is also Martin L. King Jr. Day. I think that’s quite fitting. Our country seems more racially and politically divided than ever before. The opposing sides of the isle oppose each other more and more on the basis of party rather than the basis of issues that matter. Today we remember a man who literally gave his life in the pursuit of racial equality and true — not social — justice. A hug isn’t going to fix the world, but every little but goes a long way. Can we do that? Can we show a little bit more kindness despite how much we disagree with another person’s opinion? “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1 ESV). We’re not talking about a condescending soft answer either, that doesn’t help one bit. Give someone a hug today, even if it’s only in memory of the man we celebrate today. Show kindness. Love mercy. Let’s all show a little more respect. Little by little, it’ll make the world less harsh. 

Much love,

Simeon

On Death and What is to Come

Last night, the song “It is not Death to Die” played on my phone and, as I listened to it, my mind was drawn to those I know that have gone on before me. I see a healed Mrs. Reich, worshipping Jesus without a hint of cancerous pain. I see Cousin Scottie, a wide grin plastered on his face, shouting for joy and lifting the arms, arms that were so long rendered useless by ALS, in praise of the Great Physician. I see R.C. Sproul, breathing without the help of an oxygen tank, singing as he beholds the unimaginable glory that he declared for decades. The glory of the Great I Am. 

I think of these few and I am innocently jealous that they have beat me home... but then I am reminded that they ran their race, I have a few more laps to go. I know my day will come, as fast as the blink of an eye, and I don’t fear that day at all. I pray that, when I do reach those beautiful gates, I will have left a similar impact on those who knew me. That when I’m gone, people won’t imagine that “heaven got another angel” but that I will have lived in such a way that no one will doubt where I will be. For I will be bowing at the feet of my King, all my struggles a thing of the past, finally made wholly without sin through His blood. 

Still, I am content to live on, however long He has written for me. I will receive the blessings with gratitude and the trials with faith. One day I’ll make it home. Oh my! What a day that will be!