Temporary Glory vs Eternal Glory

 While visiting my childhood home I came across two awards I received in my teenage years. The first was a book awarded to me for coming first in Fourth Form (Year Ten) prose. I have no recollection whatsoever of receiving this prize.

The second prize was given to me when I was 18. I was voted by a majority on the athletics team at school to have been the team member who consistently gave 100 percent effort. I do remember receiving this award, but I am now routinely beaten by my children in running races. 

The glory of man fades so quickly…

You return man to dust
    and say, “Return, O children of man!”[b]
4 For a thousand years in your sight
    are but as yesterday when it is past,
    or as a watch in the night.

5 You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream,
    like grass that is renewed in the morning:
6 in the morning it flourishes and is renewed;
    in the evening it fades and withers.

But the glory of God is eternal. 

16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self[a] is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

2 Corinthians 4

Only one life, 

it will soon be past.

Only what’s done for Jesus, 

Only that will last.

On Resolving Conflict

While on holiday, the beautiful Mrs Cameron heard from her parents that they had sold their house and would we like anything from the family home? My wife’s face brightened with a dazzling smile as she told me at long last we would be able to have a wonderful piece of furniture that she has always loved.

I greeted this news with unfeigned dismay. The tridarn is, in my opinion, the ugliest and bulkiest piece of furniture ever created. “Great”, I thought. “We now have to have something the size of a whale come and take up space in one of our rooms. And not some tiny whale either, like a humpback.  The tridarn is the size of a blue whale. Don’t we have enough junk already?” 

Naturally, as a wise husband, I kept these thoughts to myself. But my wife knows me too well. 
“You don’t want it, do you?”
“Babe, I love you. But where’s it going to go? We don’t have space for it.”
“We’ll find space” the pretty girl said.
I looked exceedingly doubtful. 
“Babe, I do love you, but…”
“Your hatred of the tridarn is greater than your love for me” she replied.

I didn’t know how to answer that. 

Not honestly anyway. 

“Why don’t we let the Lord decide?” my brilliant wife said.
“An excellent idea” I replied. I was sure the Lord would show my wife we didn’t need that monstrosity cluttering up our house. 

In times of dispute in my family we cast lots, or toss a coin, to show us what is the right. Because the Scripture says:

“The lot puts an end to quarrels and decides between powerful contenders.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18‬:‭18‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“Let’s resolve this after our walk,” she said.
“No, let’s do it now,” I responded. 

We entered the Airbnb and gave a coin to our eldest son.
“Your call babe,” I said magnamously.
“Heads we keep it,” Linda said.
“Tails we’re delivered from evil” I replied. 

John tossed the coin.

And do you know…
The strangest thing happened.

The Lord found in favour of wife. 

Her delight was unrestrained!

“How uncharacteristic of the Lord to make a mistake,” I thought. 
“But if He is able to make a mistake, then my wife must be allowed to make one too.”

So we went happily for our walk. The issue was resolved. 

Some people would call this living by faith.
I think though, that like me, the Lord is a sucker for a pretty girl. 
I can’t refuse her anything either.

“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭25‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Notes from a Far Country

Like cold water to a thirsty soul,
so is good news from a far country.

Proverbs 25:25

If I don't post for a while, it's because I am away from my desk.

I am pondering. 

I will ponder all your work,
and meditate on your mighty deeds.
13 Your way, O God, is holy.
What god is great like our God?
14 You are the God who works wonders;
you have made known your might among the peoples.

Psalm 77:12-14