NEW YEAR FISH!

As we approach a New Year, we may think things don't look too promising.  If we only look at the news, we will get a very negative view of things.  It seems like people's enthusiasm has dwindled. What would happen if we shared some enthusiasm in 2024?  What might it look like?

My wife and I were on our way to visit my new hematologist.  His office is in the Doernbecher Children's Hospital in Portland, OR.  It is certainly a different atmosphere than one finds in a typical doctor's visit.  While walking down the halls, you see children and families everywhere, along with multi-colored decals on the walls.  Each nurse's station was identified by a certain animal.  We walked past elephants, giraffes, lions, etc.  I don't remember what my station was, but knowing my luck it was a laughing hyena!

There was this beautiful large aquarium.  When we walked by, a little girl, with great enthusiasm yelled "Fish!"  She didn't want us to miss it.  Apparently, she didn't want anyone else to miss it either. Everyone who walked by got the same enthusiastic message.

I can't get that little girl out of my head.  Now, throughout my day, I yell, "Fish!"  My wife has even caught on!  Try it.  Whenever you need enthusiasm, think of this story and yell, "Fish!"  It sounds so simple, but what it can do to lift your spirit and get excited about something is amazing! It is contagious. Spread the "Fish!"

‘Our goal should be to live life in radical amazement,’ writes Rabbi Abraham Heschel because ‘everything is phenomenal; everything is incredible; never treat life casually. To be spiritual is to be amazed.’*

*This phrase is used by Julian E. Zelizer in Abraham Joshua Heschel: A Life of Radical Amazement, (Yale University Press, 2022) p.88

HAPPY ENTHUSIASTIC NEW YEAR!

DIVINE CHRISTMAS APPOINTMENT

I have a row full of Bibles on my bookshelf.  Now you can download and read them on a tablet and save space, yet, there is something about physically holding a Bible.  

I parted with one of my Bibles today.  My eyes aren't stellar anymore.  I bought the Bible recently but when it arrived, I realized I couldn't see the print very well.  

I sold it on social media.  Rafael contacted me about buying the Bible for his son.  We agreed to meet at a designated place.  I got there first and waited a few minutes for him to arrive.  He drove up, got out of the car, and I greeted him.  He said his son is 37 and has had a drug problem.  "He wants to read the Bible," he told me.  When he paid me, I asked, "Rafael, can I pray over this Bible for your son?"  He said, please do." We both held on the to Bible and asked God to help his son, Emanuel, to overcome his addiction, and that the Word of God would help him on his journey, and give wisdom to his parents. His face beamed with a smile as he thanked me.

In the Bible, Isaiah 9:6 proclaims, 

"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder. And his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."  

With that kind of Wonderful Counselor helping him, Emanuel can discover a new life.

I learned a long time ago, you can't plan these things.  They are truly divine appointments.  I find it interesting his son's name is Emanuel, meaning "God with Us."  This all happened less than a week before Christmas.  His message still makes a difference!

Merry Christmas!