Digging deeper

My first post was in the winter when I had a lot of free time. I ended the post, which was on our wedding anniversary, with a description of the anniversary gift I had given my wife. A picture of me with an audio reminder, my voice saying, "I love you very much". After 31 years together at Thanksgiving, my ex-wife announced to me that she wanted a trial separation. But she said that I had to keep the secret until after Christmas. As per her arrangements, it was then that she moved out. The day after Christmas. I rented a U-Haul truck and helped her move to an apartment, etc. A long and painful divorce followed.

 Wow, I have learned so much from it. First, the painful realization that some people are not who you think they are. The love of Christ disappears from them and you are the next victim they can kick, while down, to boost themselves up higher in the game of self-righteousness. And oh do they laugh and make wisecracks... in the House of God too. This might not sound like a reason to smile but it is. The light shines in the darkness, in the contrast of the darkness! Sometimes we understand more of who we should be when we can clearly see, although others can't, who we should NOT be.

 Having been a foster parent and then an adoptive parent to many different children. I did not love them because they were the best of the best or self-righteous and proud. I loved them as they were. I understood who they were and I wanted them to be comfortable as they were. It is actually easier to love and be loved by those that are humbled by their needs than those that think too highly of themselves.  Everyone is a unique work of God.  God loves them very much and the meaningless things that we see are temporary but can work a great eternal glory.  That is because the first will be last and the last will be first. God has stated it so many times and so many ways but that sums it up well enough. The proud will be brought low. Those that say, "I do not have time for God", or "I do not need God" may have the world by the tail but are losing their soul. In contrast, the humble or broken-hearted are saved by God. He is near to them.

 So, some of the reasons to smile are: for the arrogant, there is still time to learn humility and see reality. It is God that controls every situation and with great blessings comes great responsibility. Like realizing that God gave the increase and should be glorified for it. For the humble, "the same spirit that raised Christ from the dead will quicken our mortal bodies as well." The promises, the future as God has stated, are for the humble and contrite! Those that are already so thankful that God is merciful and benevolent. That really know Godly contentment. That really have a strong faith in God. That know what God seeks of us is the opposite of what the world will judge us for. In the end, he is looking for his children that knew him well. (That He covered ALL of their sins) That trusted Him to take care of them and therefore gave to (loved) others that are so needy that they can't give back what has been given to them.

 There will be arrogant, self-righteous individuals that thought they did not need to be told, they knew just what to do and how. However, when their true purpose is known, or the lack of love is known, they did not know or walk with God. So, smile because you know. Smile because you can love others unconditionally. Smile if you are already doing here on earth what God's children will do in His presence one day. Thanking and praising Him continually for all that you are and all that you enjoy. Smile because there is a righteous justice and His mercy has brought you into full justification. Smile because whatever happens in this temporary life, God has given you an opportunity to receive an eternal life with Him.