In my childhood, the first of September marked the beginning of the mailbox vigil. I'd scamper across our lawn and swing the mailbox cover downward. Just a couple of letters. I'd grab them, close box, and trudge back towards the front door. My little brain grumbling, trying to come to terms with the fact that I'd have to wait at least another day for the Sears Catalog.
Each morning, the frost set in a little harder. Summer's green grass yellowed into protective dormancy. Flowers died. Leaves lost their grip on the limbs of the mountain ash tree in our front yard. Then one afternoon, I'd find the mailbox packed full. The Sears Catalog folder over on top of itself. I lugged it across the yard and into the house. I pulled off the wrapped and set it down onto the couch. It didn't take me long to find the toy section.
I'd pour over the pages for hours, until it was time for dinner, and then again until bedtime. The potential fun from each toy would capture my imagination. I'd zip through the galaxy with Star Wars action figures. Launch wave after wave of G.I. Joe's into battle against their cobra-headed enemies. Mix up dangerous glowing concoctions in science kits and line up on the grid-iron with a shiny new "Dan Marino" Miami Dolphins football uniform.
Each Christmas I'd realize that Santa wasn't as big of a fan of the Sears Catalog as I was. When our tastes did line up, the real toys were never quite as fun as I'd imagined they would be. (Note to children: spaceship toys will not take you to space - no matter what the catalog pictures suggest)
How often do we fall into the similar trap of focusing the future possibilities in our spiritual lives. Projecting our selves out to a period in our lives when you'll have more time to help others. Have enough financial security to donate to the church, the poor or other worthy causes. Have more time to pray and read about your faith. Be ready to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. Be ready to love our enemies and beg for forgiveness from those we've injured.
The eternal - it will be perfect when...
The search for the perfect time and method to interact and serve the Divine is futile. Zen Master Po-Chang equated this search and the overall search for Enlightenment with "riding an ox in search of an ox."
The time to give is now. The time to serve is now. Waiting until a certain event happens to move forward in your spiritual journey will leave you disappointed as an eight year old boy staring down at a Star Wars' fighter and wondering why it doesn't fly.
As Psalm 118 says, "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice in it and be glad."
Not tomorrow. Not two weeks from tomorrow or two years from tomorrow. Today.
Note: Please bookmark www.ugandaruralfund.org/how-you-can-help/amazon/ and open it when you want to shop on Amazon. Up to 10% of the purchase price of your order will be donated to help educate and care for orphans in Uganda. It's an easy way to make a huge difference in these kids' lives.
Each morning, the frost set in a little harder. Summer's green grass yellowed into protective dormancy. Flowers died. Leaves lost their grip on the limbs of the mountain ash tree in our front yard. Then one afternoon, I'd find the mailbox packed full. The Sears Catalog folder over on top of itself. I lugged it across the yard and into the house. I pulled off the wrapped and set it down onto the couch. It didn't take me long to find the toy section.
I'd pour over the pages for hours, until it was time for dinner, and then again until bedtime. The potential fun from each toy would capture my imagination. I'd zip through the galaxy with Star Wars action figures. Launch wave after wave of G.I. Joe's into battle against their cobra-headed enemies. Mix up dangerous glowing concoctions in science kits and line up on the grid-iron with a shiny new "Dan Marino" Miami Dolphins football uniform.
Each Christmas I'd realize that Santa wasn't as big of a fan of the Sears Catalog as I was. When our tastes did line up, the real toys were never quite as fun as I'd imagined they would be. (Note to children: spaceship toys will not take you to space - no matter what the catalog pictures suggest)
How often do we fall into the similar trap of focusing the future possibilities in our spiritual lives. Projecting our selves out to a period in our lives when you'll have more time to help others. Have enough financial security to donate to the church, the poor or other worthy causes. Have more time to pray and read about your faith. Be ready to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. Be ready to love our enemies and beg for forgiveness from those we've injured.
The eternal - it will be perfect when...
The search for the perfect time and method to interact and serve the Divine is futile. Zen Master Po-Chang equated this search and the overall search for Enlightenment with "riding an ox in search of an ox."
The time to give is now. The time to serve is now. Waiting until a certain event happens to move forward in your spiritual journey will leave you disappointed as an eight year old boy staring down at a Star Wars' fighter and wondering why it doesn't fly.
As Psalm 118 says, "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice in it and be glad."
Not tomorrow. Not two weeks from tomorrow or two years from tomorrow. Today.
Note: Please bookmark www.ugandaruralfund.org/how-you-can-help/amazon/ and open it when you want to shop on Amazon. Up to 10% of the purchase price of your order will be donated to help educate and care for orphans in Uganda. It's an easy way to make a huge difference in these kids' lives.
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