This year, I turned 70. (My daughters say I turned 12 -- a cute, loving-daughter-way of saying I'm incredibly immature). I don't mind being 70 at all. A few years have many advantages.
The biggest advantage is that I notice and appreciate things I never had time to notice and appreciate before. I notice that the earth is full of God's creatures. Up north, I see all kinds of wild life. A few days ago, I saw a fox in our Bloomfield neighborhood. That fox, and a deer in my backyard, made my week.
I also notice that God went way beyond creatures. Every morning, I notice what a beautiful day we've been given. Rainy? Excellent! Rain makes beautiful plants grow. Snowy? Terrific! The rivers and lakes need water. Clouds? Wow, they can be so beautiful. Sun? Is there anyone who doesn't love sun?
Have you ever noticed green? Look at green. One green would have been fantastic. But God made zillions of beautiful greens.
Tomato plants we never planted come up in our yard. Thanks, birds. Vultures clean up animals that die. Fawns come with camouflage. Trout have homes in the river. Great planning!
I have a choir and a church full of people I love. I have Sue. I have wonderful daughters, wonderful sons-in-law, wonderful grandchildren.
You know what all of that does for me? It makes me a happy, joyful person.
In one of my meetings, a friend said, "To you, the glass is always half full." I was terribly disappointed. To me, a half-full glass is at least three-quarters full -- probably overflowing -- because I notice what God has done and is still doing in my world. What blessings! And I know tomorrow will be even better than today.
Please, Lord, help those who may be younger and not as observant, or as appreciative, recognize that your works and blessings are indeed manifold. That simple realization can make so many lives so much happier. Amen.
Hal Bay
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IN MY HEART
by John Feeney
When asked again, to write a devotion,
Of the theme, I hadn't a notion.
The Postons offered, "What's in your heart,"
With that, I had, a warm, friendly start!
An important ingredient, is certainly love,
But there's also the spirit, which comes from above.
What is this spirit? And is it from God?
I'm really quite certain, He gets the nod.
Who receives this spirit? Do you think you know?
Permit me to suggest, a place you must go.
It has a new sanctuary, and new places to sit,
For Holly and me, it's a perfect fit!
A brand new pastor, is on the way,
I hope those who visit, will decide to stay.
A new organ is coming, and photo directory, too,
These will warm the hearts, of you, you, and you!
First Presbyterian Church Birmingham, is "In My Heart,"
Because in my life, it plays such a very big part.
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