JOY COMES IN THE MORNING

There is a verse in the good book (no, not the TV guide) that reads: "Sorrow may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning."

One of the things I like about the Bible is that it makes no attempt to gloss over the brokenness that is so often found in the world. Sorrow is an everyday part of life on this side of eternity. It's important to acknowledge that we live in a reality that has been distorted and scarred by our own imperfections and weaknesses. How is a physician to embark on a course of restorative action if there is no admission regarding the existence of the illness in the first place? Authentic joy in this life can only be experienced when we stare heartache in the face, and by the grace of God, overcome it.

WHAT ARE YOU BUILDING ON?

Not too long ago a friend of mine made the observation about the peculiarity of people constructing nuclear power stations on or in very close proximity to major geographical fault lines. This is revealing itself to be a very precarious business, as is becoming all too evident as we observe events unfolding in Japan, following the 6th largest earthquake in recorded history. May the good Lord be with the Japanese people and bring them comfort. In a tangible sense, it raises the issue of the importance of exercising wisdom and forethought when it comes to constructing something that is not only of great value, but that is also potentially costly when the foundation on which it is constructed proves to be unsound.

TRUTH OR TALES?

So, I found myself thinking tonight...how much honesty do people want to hear? How much can they handle? Do they even care? I have a bit of a choice to make. This little space of mine here, albeit erratically updated, may potentially be visited by anyone. Friends, family, potential employers, total strangers. So...especially in the face of life's disappointments and heartaches, do I put on the game face, click my heels together and think and share happy thoughts? Or, do I wear my heart on my sleeve and spill my digital guts here for the world to see?

Like all of us to one degree or another, I probably will opt to adopt at least some measure of restraint. However, putting on the game face has never been something that's come naturally to me. I can do it when I need to, but heck, this is MY blog, and no-one made you click here, so I guess you're just gonna have to put up with MY rants. :) It's my party, and...well, you know. Besides, if people can't handle or understand a little honest human experience, for good or bad, then I probably wouldn't enjoy their company anyway, or they mine for that matter. Yep...me thinks the guts will go on spilling.

TINSELTOWN TRUTH

Every once in a while Hollywood comes up with a quote that points to eternal spiritual truths, or encourages and challenges me to live a life worthy of the call of Jesus Christ. Here are a few of the memorable ones that have impacted me:

• "Your heart is free. Have the courage to follow it". (Braveheart)

• "Every man dies. Not ever man really lives." (Braveheart)

• "What we do in life, echoes in eternity." (Gladiator)

• "There's a difference between knowing the path, and walking the path." (The Matrix)

• "Dark and difficult times lie ahead. Soon, we must all face the choice between what is right, and what is easy." (Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire)

• "Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place and I don't care how tough you are. It will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. How much you can take, and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done! Now if you know what you're worth now go out and get what you're worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers sayin' you ain't where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that, and that ain't you! You're better than that!" (Rocky Balboa)

• "You wrote that the world doesn't need a savior, but every day I hear people crying for one." (Superman Returns)