Out of time, No more birthdays

Every now and then we need to encounter something that helps us to view things from a different perspective. I originally planned to talk about ‘halftime’ since the first half of 2021 is already behind us. I talk about that in the first part of my book, WHEN I WAS 40, which focuses on the span of time just before my forty-first birthday. Sometimes people refer to this time in life as halftime. Think about halftime in a football game, in which the team reviews the first half of the game then makes the necessary changes in strategy and attitude to play better and win in the second half. (You can read more about that in my blog ‘Halftime Anytime,’ November 2020, www.charlenestevensjenkins.com). Truth is, none of us know when we’ve reached our halfway point in life. Just because I experienced what I considered “halftime” when I was 40, it does not mean I’m going to live until I’m 80. It would be nice if I surpassed that. Since I have no idea of how many more birthdays I can celebrate, I should live as if there is NO time left. We operate differently when we know we’re running out of time. We move faster and do only what is most important. Jesus teaches about this with the parable of the rich fool in the bible, Luke 12:16-21. That man would have responded so differently if he knew he would not live to see the morning. Let’s keep this perspective in mind since tomorrow is not promised to us. When we think we have plenty of time to achieve our dreams, goals, and plans, we may not move with much urgency. Let’s remember that when we go to sleep at night, it’s only by the grace of God that we wake up the next day. What has God told you to do? Who do you need to encourage today? Where are you in your relationship with God? Let’s not live like we’re at halftime. Let’s live like we have no time. Let’s get to work on whatever we’ve been instructed to do. At age 12 Jesus told his parents of the need to be about his Father’s business (Luke 12:42-49). What’s stopping you? You think you’re too young? Too old? Let’s make the most of every minute, every second God gives us. Let’s not imagine being at halftime. Let’s imagine that the game is ending in the next 60 seconds. I’m working on what I’ve been called to do. What will YOU do with the time you have left? What if this is going to be your final day here? If you’re not where you need to be and you’re still alive, recalibrate now. Remember, I’m praying for you.

Freedom means Family

What was the first word that came to your mind when you thought of the 4th of July this year? Was it fireworks? Independence? Freedom? Food? Day off? While all of those are appropriate, the one word that came to my mind was family. That’s it. Last year this time, we had to cancel our Stevens Family Reunion for the first time ever. No Friday night low country boil with fish and grits. No Saturday gathering with a sermonette, country cooking and games. No Sunday service followed by more food. This time, we'd planned to have just a virtual reunion via Facebook and Zoom. Then, we found out there would be an in-person gathering for those who felt comfortable attending. It was exciting for me to drive to Riceboro, GA, my birthplace. I was ecstatic, probably more than ever before, to make the drive 'home' to be with my family. Maybe we had a very small crowd. Maybe we had to share it on Facebook and Zoom. That’s ok. We were with family. We heard stories of what it was like for our parents’ generation. We still laughed, prayed, sang, heard the Word and ate together. This year was so much different for me, and it awakened a deeper appreciation for freedom and family. Last year we did not have the opportunity to look at each other and touch and enjoy a meal in the same location. For that reason, this time it was very special. Last year we were able to communicate with some loved ones who are no longer alive. Next year is not promised to any of us. If you have any family and loved ones, at least reach out to them. You don’t have to wait until a holiday or special occasion to do so. Maybe you are not able to get together quite like you did before the pandemic. Do something. If you cannot meet face to face, then do the next best thing and give them a call or schedule a video call. Yes, it’s appropriate to be grateful for a day off, for our freedom, the fireworks, for our independence. Most of all, let’s be grateful for our family and the people who are like family. Somehow, let’s tell them that we’re glad that we can still hear their voices, see their smiles, hear their laughter. One day it might not be possible and we may not have that opportunity. Let's value our freedom. If these events are not a happy time for you, then I'm praying for you. God is able to provide the strength, comfort, and help you need in any season of your life. You can depend on Him. He promised never to leave you or forsake you. You are not alone, we are family.

Juneteenth: Freedom

I wonder if you are aware of the connection between Juneteenth and Father’s Day. This is huge! Let me tell you what I learned. Juneteenth was originally celebrated in Texas on June 19, 1866. This was the first anniversary of the day that enslaved Africans there first heard about the Emancipation Proclamation, over two years after it was initially issued. They remained enslaved until they were told about their right to freedom after hundreds of years of brutal slavery. Freedom Day, as we call it, must be celebrated and remembered. I am certainly grateful for freedom from slavery, and I am eternally grateful for the freedom that I have in Christ. We have reached the middle of June and just like we celebrated Mothers last month, it’s time to celebrate our Dads. Father’s Day originated with a woman who tried to establish an official holiday that was just like Mother’s Day for male parents. So On June 19, 1910, the first Father’s Day was celebrated in the state of Washington. Isn’t that something? Although the date changes, it’s celebrated on the 3rd Sunday in June in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. As is true for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day can be a source of joy and sadness. If this day grieves you, then I’m praying for your strength and comfort. I am blessed to still have my Daddy who does so much to assist and take care of things that I cannot do around the house, with my vehicle, etc. He not only does things for me, covers me, prays for me and loves me, he is my earthly father. I appreciate all he does year round and that is why I don’t wait until Father’s Day to let him know how much I greatly appreciate him. In fact, I’ll be spending time with my parents this weekend. I am grateful that my Dad loves the Lord and he loves his family. Juneteenth is also special because it was the day that God brought me into the world, and I am so grateful that I’m here. People can look at me and see that I resemble my Dad and Mom. Well, I want to do the best I can to accomplish Father God’s purpose and plans for me. I desire to live so that people see godly qualities and characteristics in me. I want people to know without a doubt that I belong to Him. As I write this, I think about Chapter 6 “Visible Difference,” of my book WHEN I WAS 40. Although my Dad is very instrumental in helping with advice and tasks where I am limited in strength or stature, our Heavenly Father is strong enough for both of us and for every person to depend on at the same time. Some people may have a difficult time putting faith in a Heavenly Father when they never had the example of a good earthly father. I want to encourage you to give Him a try. Our Heavenly Father longs to have a relationship with you. You can trust Him. You can depend on Him. All you have to do is whisper His name. He’s only a prayer away. You will learn of Him. Today is the perfect day to connect or reconnect with our Creator, God, our Father who art in Heaven. Juneteenth, June 19th, is truly a day to celebrate. Our freedom. Our Dads. I'm so grateful, and I'm praying for you!

Juneteenth, Ciara Rouege (KHOU)