You see God has been hard at work for 47 years in the heart and mind of this old codger, and as I reflect on the work He has had to do, it truly is amazing. He has widdled and carved, and at times sand blasted my attitude plenty over the years, and He’s still at it.
I remember when I was younger, I really struggled with anger, and even though I came off as a pretty level headed, calm and easy going guy there were times when even the littlest thing would make me lose it.
I mean you could mess with me all day long, but even though my brother and I were fighting like cats and dogs, if you messed with him you were in trouble.
Or, talk about how tall and skinny I am all you want (yes, it’s true I used to be very skinny, in fact the nickname “beanpole” comes to mind as I’m writing this…aw those were the days), but say one word about my mom, and watch out.
Looking back, one of the reasons I had so much anger was because of the "backpack of bowling balls" I was carrying around called bitterness. I’m not going to go into the details now, but suffice it to say that I believe one of the changes that God has made that has been one of the major turning points in my life was when I finally gave in and let it all go…more on that subject some other time.

I’ve seen changes galore taking place in my life, my family’s life, the churches I’ve worked with, the countries I’ve served in and on and on it goes, but I guess it hit me that God was really doing a work in my life and attitude one time as I was returning home from a teaching trip to Kiev, Ukraine.
I got on the plane and went to my seat. Next to me there were two other guys sitting in a three seat aisle on the right side of the plane. As usual, the other two guys were as big if not bigger than me, and needless to say we were squished. The guy on my left spoke Russian but was trying to make conversation with me in the little bit of English that he knew.

Well, the guy sitting next to me saw his opportunity for a more comfortable seat, and a more enjoyable experience so he got up and picked up the gentleman’s vodka placed it in his lap and sat down.
What happened next was absolutely amazing to me, as "Vodka guy" went off on his new seat mate. For the next 10 minutes or so, they yelled and yelled at each other in Russian, they pushed each other and flailed their arms, they were going at it, and neither one was backing down. I couldn’t understand a word of it but I understood exactly what it was all about.
Then all of a sudden, vodka guy stopped and according to his body language, in Russian he seemed to ask my seat mate why he wanted to move in the first place.
The guy looked at me, pointed and said in perfect English “Heavy set”, to which the other man replied “DA!”, and picked up his vodka to let him sit down!

You see, another major change I realized that day, was that as I get older, and mature in my walk with God everyday situations that He allows me to go through have morphed from things that used to set me off because of my immaturity or whatever to personal illustrations of How God is at work in my life, and how He can work in the life of the reader or listener as well.
That’s a God thing by the way.
So, I’m reminded again that change is not always easy, but if we’re open to God’s kind of change in our lives as an ongoing opportunity to not only sympathize but empathize with others shining the spotlight on the hero of the story…Jesus, then we can embrace even seemingly painful changes with a renewed sense of purpose, because God never wastes a hurt!
Great story, Merry Christmas to you and your family, and a happy and healthy New Year. May Christ's love shine on us all.
ReplyDeleteHi Brent,
ReplyDeleteJust read this - Christmas Day at 5:30. Such a beautiful story and I felt like I had just been blessed with a wonderful message. Thank you Brent for your faithfulness, humbleness before the Lord and continuing on in service to our great God. The best to you and Bonnie and your dear family. Blessings for the New Year.
Alice for Ed and family also.
Hi Brent & Family,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your story,God works in wonderful ways. With age comes wisdom. It sounds like you and your family are doing well, thats great. Our family this year decided to contribute to Samaratian's purse instead of exchanging gifts. I hope this tradition continues. Thanks for your work with this great orgainization, and continuing to serve God. Have a wonderful New Year!
Janice Alaimo