It finally happened; I became a grandpa, too (i.e., “papa”). And yes, I have his photo in my wallet. (Honk if you want to see a picture of my grandchild.)
Two things recently have jarred me into a renewed sense of reality. One of them is the eagerness with which my two-year-old grandbaby, Elijah, views every new thing (to him). I don’t know when for me that life became somewhat animated or surreal. Elijah, though, openly and audibly expresses his amazement with his discovery of any and everything, even inconsequential things (e.g., from tourist-trap knick-knacks and souvenirs to the ski lift on a recent family vacation, catching his first fish, etc.). Everything is more real and exciting to him than I can remember for a long time. Elijah rejuvenates my concept of reality as I view the world through his eyes (Matthew 18:3-4).
The second event that has shocked both the nation (the world, really) and me to a new consciousness of reality is the recent and horrific terrorism in the USA. Life will never be the same for any of us. One’s mind tends to be a hostage to thoughts of those sad incidents, despite involvement in sundry, ordinary and daily activities.
With a heightened appraisal of the world around us, we need to make a new or revised list of those things that really matter in life and eternity. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these [material] things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). We need to ask ourselves, “What am I doing here on planet earth?” (Matthew 16:26). “Am I making a difference in my life, those around and close to me, and this life’s fellow travelers?” (Mark 16:15-16; 2 Timothy 2:2). “Am I paving my way to eternity with God and leading others along that pathway?” (Matthew 7:13-14). “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).
I’m sure that I still need my corrective lenses (glasses) to see, but everywhere I look the world around me seems to be in much clearer and nearly painfully sharp focus. It’s almost like a grainy photograph where even minute particles of dust demand notice. Loved ones are more precious. Time is priceless. “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16).
Do you see an urgent need for a revival of heartfelt and committed Christianity — within the church? Isn’t it time that Christians more judiciously practice Christianity in their own lives (1 Thessalonians 3:13; Luke 6:46)? Has our nation and the world ever more than now needed God’s people to plant the seed of the kingdom in the human heart (Luke 8:11)? What are you waiting for?
