One boat began falling behind. Not enough fuel. There had been plenty of coal for the trip, but not enough for a race. As the boat dropped back, an enterprising young sailor took some of the ship’s cargo and tossed it into the ovens. When the sailors saw that the supplies burned as well as the coal, they fueled their boat with the material they had been assigned to transport. They ended up winning the race, but burned their cargo.

God has entrusted cargo to us, too: children, spouses, grandparents. Our job is to do our part in seeing that this cargo reaches its destination.

Paul writes to Timothy in 1 Timothy 5:8 “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

Ouch. Strong words from the Apostle Paul to the young pastor Timothy. Things are slightly different in modern America today. Yet, part of God’s grace to us is the institution of the family. This week my parents and my father-in-law have come to stay with us for Christmas. We have three extra bodies in our home for the next two weeks and I smiled this morning when I heard the talking and laughter over cups of coffee. Even though the children are now sleeping in the living room and our days are crazier with three extra people it is good to have them all with us. 

I am reminded today of God’s kindness to me. I was told years ago that I might not have children due to an experimental treatment I had to take and yet I am married with three children. My children have their grandparents who spoil them silly. Do we drive each other crazy? Sometimes. Yet God is reminding me through my children to have more patience and to not take myself too seriously. I am also reminded about life not being about what I want but how I can serve those in my family. I feel His grace molding me and helping me to reflect His Son Christ, in my life with those He has given to me. 

Sometimes in seeing the bad during this time of the year, we need to change our perspective and see God’s grace in who He has placed in our lives. I think God is more interested in what we are becoming than what we are acquiring. If this is a challenging time for you this year, my prayer is that God’s grace will help you to have a different perspective. May you receive the ability to have eyes of faith rather than a heart of bitterness. In spite of your circumstances may the joy of Christ fill your heart this year.

Pastor Aaron