Reminders (150th)
Reminders
“And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.”
Luke 23:41-43
While I was sitting here studying this morning, I thought about what this table used to look like and what it reminds me of.
Two years ago there would be a spit bottle somewhere nearby, a can of dip, a Yeti with a mixed drink or a can of beer and probably hockey on the television.
Our weekends were filled with hosting parties that were filled with profanity, alcohol and stories of what we did at work.
We’d fish, clean vehicles and prize our possessions in a routine that was just as habitual as our bad habits.
I would spend more time on things to fill my time rather then taking my time to fill my life with people I love, prayer and God.
My down time was self destructive not purpose-driven.
None of this is braggadocios. It was sad. It’s who I used to be and it was my reality. I drank to cope. I worked to escape. I had addictions to addictions.
The reality is, everyone has had, or is having, something they are struggling with and something they are reminded of.
I lived with shame. I lived with guilt. I lived with embarrassment. I thought I was in control only to be reminded that I wasn’t.
This table is a reminder. It’s not the same table, neither are the reminders. It is a reminder of where I am, not where I was.
I turned my life over to Jesus Christ because I failed miserably. I wasn’t failing, I failed. I couldn’t do it on my own. Nobody else could help me. It had to be Him.
The reminder is more sweet than bitter now.
Don’t get me wrong. For a period, it was hell and there’s still a ways to go.
But instead of it holding me back, it is pushing me forward. I have a relationship with God that I’m reminded of daily by his endless mercy and grace.
My reminders are clear now as well as my purpose.
My wife reminds me of the spiritual way to respond to situations that I normally would’ve destroyed. Her growth and relationship with God is amazing where it was once questionable.
I watch as our 11-year old completes a Bible reading study plan and devotions. We talk about the stories of Jesus Christ as a family. We pray together. We worship together. And Jesus Christ is at the center of our family.
We aren’t perfect, we are far from it. But we are nowhere near where we were. It took sacrifice, pain, love and desire.
What are you reminded of?
“And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.”
Luke 23:44-46