“For everything comes from [God] and exists by his power and is intended for his glory.”  Romans 11:36 NLT

Day 7 of 40: I’m not very good at seeing God’s glory… particularly in the everyday experiences of life.

This morning I straightened the picture hanging in our entryway. It’s a print from the Met (NYC) of an angel done originally in glass by Tiffany studios. It’s really quite stunning and welcoming… but, this morning, my attention was on the frame – off by 1/4 inch.

I’m a “fixer” by nature and so… have a tendency to want to “straighten things out.” That’s why my attention was on the frame and I robbed myself of simply enjoying the picture.

I do recognize God’s glory in the big things… the birth of a child, the beauty of a sunrise, the grandeur of mountains, the wonder of thunder and lightning… those things are in my face – hard to miss. And besides, they are beyond my fixing.

It’s God’s glory in the little things, the everyday things, the things of life with their imperfections that I miss out on.

Today’s question is “Where in my daily routine can I become more aware of God’s glory?”

I think I’ll take the dog for a slow walk this morning… and take a look.

“Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered — how fleeting my life is.” Psalm 39:4 NLT

“I am here on earth for just a little while….” Psalm 119:19a GNT

“There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever.” 2 Corinthians 4.18 MSG

Day 6 of 40: Last night I watched a TV show where a patient was being given anesthesia before having surgery… the patient died.

The scene brought back recent memories of receiving anesthesia myself before surgery… I could have died. I think the experience was a lot easier on me than for Barbara sitting and waiting without knowing the outcome.

Some folks worry a lot about when Jesus will come back to us (second coming) and forget that we might go home to Him first. Our lives are fragile and temporary.

I never thought of pastorates as being temporary assignments until I became an interim pastor. But, of course, all work, jobs, careers are temporary. Life goes on after we leave and, like footprints in the sand, we are forgotten. Unless we get someone to name a building after us. Then people wonder: “Who was that guy?”

Today’s question is “How does being a sojourner on this earth change how I live right now? Here’s some thoughts –

• I’m not accumulating much stuff these days – Starbucks city mugs excepted.
• I have a greater sense of urgency about using my time, energy and resources to further God’s Kingdom purposes.
• Over the years I’ve asked myself: “What’s to become of me?” Now I know.
• My attention has shifted away from politics… although I still yell at the TV.
• I’m thinking small, rather than big.
• And I’m looking for opportunities to “reach one more for Jesus”… that’s something that will last forever.

My song: