Reflections From Sunday Evening

The Independence Day holiday is drawing to a close. People will be heading home from a weekend get away. There may be one more cook-out but we are getting ready for a new week. Hopefully sometime during this weekend we have re-read the Preamble to the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence or some other historical document. Hopefully we have taken a moment to reflect on the precious gift of liberty and freedom that is such a part of the American experience. Maybe we have given thought to what we most appreciate about our nation. Perhaps we have reflected on the commitment of those who led the way. Our nation is filled with defining moments. There were the first stirrings in the hearts of men who saw a vision for a new nation. There were those who risked all they were and all they had for this proposition that all men are created equal. There was the defining moment when leaders pledged their "lives, possessions and fortunes" for the new nation. There have continued to be many defining moments along the way of the great experiment in democracy. With that said I invite you to also consider defining moments in your life, especially your Christian life. Do you recall the first stirrings of faith in your heart? What does your spiritual autobiography look like? Can you identify the moments in life when God seemed most close and clear? Are there seasons of life where God seemed distant. Can you identify choices and decisions that have turned out to be defining moments in your life of faith? As surely as our nation continues forward with new challenges and opportunities your life does the same. There will be other defining moments ahead in your life of faith. Be encouraged and anticipate your future in faith with joy. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve