Wrapping Up 2013

I can see the year 1579…and so can you. It’s a significant year for us "west coasters" in one respect because that is the year Sir Francis Drake appeared on the shores of California and claimed the area (the exact coastal location being debated by historians for centuries) for England and called it “New Albion”. The name, which means “the New White”, was in reference to the island of Great Britain often called “White” for its renowned White Cliffs of Dover.

Ok…so what exactly is the significance of something that happened 434 years ago? The answer is found when you look up into a night sky and find Polaris, the North Star. When you are observing the star you are actually seeing the light which emanated from it 434 years ago because it is 434 light years away. Kinda cool, huh?

These are the kinds of things which humble my existence. My lofty notions of importance can quickly be assuaged by the miracle that is life. Not just my life, but a life that is grander, and broader, and longer, and most definitely designed by a master Creator.

This reality may prompt you to believe that we, as individuals, are then somewhat insignificant. Nothing can be further from the truth. C.S. Lewis stated, “He died not for men, but for each man. If each man had been the only man made, He would have done no less.”  This is the perfect summation of what our Creator is all about. We cannot even fathom the enormity of this universe and all it contains, yet this same Creator has His eye on you and I in a most intimate way.

When I look up into the sky and observe the stars, the universe, the absolute wonderment of our world… I begin to appreciate how much this creation we live in was designed for us. My insignificance suddenly becomes more proud, more emboldened, as I begin to realize the awesomeness of my God and how he wants to relate to me in my life.

Looking back on the year is but a snippet of a moment in time, but let’s not overlook the fact that God has planned us for this moment. Let’s embrace it and all it brings.

Blessings and Peace to all!

Greg Morton
Copyright © December, 2013

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Beyond the Pale

It’s been said that “We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.” Plato probably wrote these words more from a philosophical perspective, however, applying this to a spiritual truth is simply too good to pass up. What Plato was really saying is that we are to face our fears, our circumstances, our joys, and our challenges…all with a realistic embrace. To shy away from difficulties or ignore problems does not benefit us nor does it build our character.

Christians clearly have an edge when it comes to dealing with adversity. Sadly, we seldom take full advantage of the fact that God is in ultimate control and we can choose to accept it—or reject it—and make our choices accordingly.

Our humanity makes us finite; full of limitations; lacking in judgment; woefully inadequate. Our humanity lived in one accord with Christ, however, allows us to live beyond our apparent limits. What we comprehend as boundaries mean absolutely nothing in God’s hands.

My greatest apprehensions in life are making correct choices. Long forgotten are the words of Paul when he reminded the churches in Rome that all things work together for good for those who love God. If I can daily remind myself of this truth I would not only make much better choices, I would also remove the limitations of what I believe to be possible. My choices, then, become instruments within God’s plan rather than just cerebral decisions that may, or may not, accomplish my desires.

I truly believe we must all look beyond the pale and grasp on to the truth that God is interactive in our lives, proactive in His desires, and reactive to our requests. We are not meant to live the tragedy that Plato expressed when we fear the light, but rather to rejoice in the way our Savior has empowered us to live life to the fullest; with the knowledge that we can partner with God to not only make a difference on this earth...but proceed with confidence that His plan can, and will, be fulfilled.

Blessings!

Greg Morton
Copyright © December 1, 2013

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