Good morning. Sitting here in my beat up second hand chair I wonder over the fact that I am writing in this blog again - and, for the second day in a row! To be honest, I really do not think that this will continue but, who knows, maybe - just maybe I will finish something.

The old black wood stove that I found as a result of my pennysaver ad growls in front of me as I write this. Boy, was it cold this morning when I first got up! This is the last time that I follow my wife's advice to let the old thing go until morning. The stove eats wood like a hungry orphan waiting his chance at the lavishly spread banquet table saying, "Just give me a knife, a fork, and a chance!"

The skys are slightly cloudy, but there I go, giving it the half-empty slant as I am in the habit of doing. Let's try again. The skys are partly sunny today. There, that's better. I really have to rein myself in on the tendency to see life in the "half-full" way. Its a slippery slope of negatives leading imperceiveably to unwelcome bouts of depression. Depression is a familiar figure in my life, but I must say, I have him by the collar now after long last. No, I'm not taking anti-depressants or anything like that. Its just that I have learned the purpose behind the ugly black curtain that falls over me at times, smothering away joy and choking off the life giving hope that the Spirit brings. But, enough of that.

Yesterday I came to an epiphany of sorts - one that ultimately effects how I view life and how I interact with it on a day to day basis. What is it you say? Well, some will not warm up to what I am about to reveal, but it comes after years of sincere and honest searching of the heart - believe me. This is what I have found to be so - my Creator does not have His hand in every jot and tittle that happens in my life hour after hour and day after day. At least, not in the way that I was first led to believe and have forced myself to believe these last 25 years or so.

Why do we need to be so "special"? I ask this because it is only our own ego that moves us towards the belief that God is beside us creating in our lives opportunity and perception of His unique and individually designed plans for every single individual. I do not see this as true anymore and I certainly cannot find the scriptural proof to support it unless I deftly read into certain passages my own presuppositions and ideas. God loves me, of this I am sure, but I will no longer demand of Him the special treatment that is accorded a spoiled child. It ultimately does not speak well for the child and even less so of the parent who gives it. God is not like that! But and however, far be it for me to say that God cannot do this or do that! I will just offer to you that I no longer see it as the Creator's normal pattern of doing things - of interacting with His creation on an individual one-on-one basis. Enough said.

My wife should be rising soon. It is time to move on towards what the day brings. I will follow the course the good Lord has laid down for all of those that choose the "path seldom trod". Simply, to do what is good and helpful to those around me - to extend to all when possible the love that shows mercy, respect, and encouragement. And, to give life to this "love" by what I do. This is where I should be, taking the initiative towards the life events that come to everyone on a day to day basis and using the gifts that He has given. Recognizing too, that sorrow as well as joy will come my way - this is as He said it would be. I will face it all with the Lord's promise that "in the end" of all things, the good will prevail and we will stand on the sea of glass together.

Have a good day and God bless.