As Bob Cratchit would say, “I’m running a bit behind my time, sir. ‘Tis but once a year…it won’t happen again!” Of course, Cratchit wasn’t retired, living in New Liberty, Kentucky, where the temperatures of the past couple of weeks have been downright languid. Neither has he been moving his in-laws to their new home, the second house-emptying move of the year for me. Enough of the excuse-making; I’m still posting within 24 hours of my schedule!
I have been exceedingly blessed to have a life filled with a broad gathering of people. Tall, short, fellow Cub fans, White Sox fans (I threw up in my mouth a little there), English-speaking, non-English-speaking, American, citizens of a bunch of different countries. You get the idea.
Perhaps the most challenging, yet important, subgroup of my friends and acquaintances has been those who do not profess belief in Jesus the Christ. While I do, I am truly grateful to live in a nation that allows a variety of beliefs. I have always believed that well-lived, well-expressed beliefs are the best way to convince others of the beauty and efficacy of one’s held convictions.
I am particularly intrigued by the challenge to frame my belief in Jesus for such a wide swath of humanity. As a Christian, I am charged with being prepared to share my reasons for believing in the Messiah with anyone I meet. This would necessarily include those who don’t, and may never, believe in Him. This doesn’t mean that they are less worthy of my respect and love. Indeed, it does mean that I will pray ardently for them (I do) in the hope that the Holy Spirit might, one day, open their hearts to His beauty, grace, and love.
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