Lord, teach me. . . .

Fifty-three percent of Americans say they believe God and the nation have a special relationship, a concept stretching back to Pilgrim days.  Even a third of atheists, agnostics and those with no religious preference believe America has a special relationship with God. –Lifeway Research poll Last week, we celebrated America’s 239 th birthday. July 4 is always an exciting day, with parades and picnics, softball games and fireworks. Folks dress up in red, white and blue. Kids attach flag spinners to their tricycles and bicycles as they ride through the neighborhood. Strains of America the Beautiful and God Bless America fill the air. And the food! Fire up the grill! Bring on the ribs and hotdogs, potato salad and corn-on-the-cob! (Diet? What diet??) It is America’s birthday, after all! time to celebrate! God bless America! Meanwhile . . . the week before, my church opened its doors to the neighborhood, prepared a hot, nutritious meal with love, for those who don’t...

I’m late! I’m late for a very important date! No time to say hello! Goodbye! I’m late! I’m late! I’m late! –White Rabbit Has your life become one long To-Do List with more tasks than there are hours in a day? How often do you begin the day with a smack to the forehead, remembering something you meant to get done yesterday—but didn’t? (True confessions: I just stopped in mid-sentence here to go complete one such task.) I mean, seriously. How did our ancestors ever get anything done without all these “labor-saving” devices we have to tell us how far, how long, how soon—even when we have been sitting too long and need to move around, she asked sarcastically. Whoa, Nellie! Stop for a minute. How many of these “absolutely necessary” things really have to be done now ? How many could “keep” until next week? Or next month? Or even longer (like forever)? I’d like to challenge you this week to take time to disconnect and allow your spirit to recharge. Take off your watch. Sh...