The school year is over, and we’re looking down the barrel
of a summer full of possibilities.
Long, sunny days that scream
Swimming!
Popsicles! Sleeping In!
in between the planned
Beach Vacation!
Grandma’s House! Summer Camp!
In my mind, I like to also think
Library! Art
Museums! Learning How To Properly Fold
Laundry!
By August, after all the vacations have come to an end, and
we are sliding into the last days before a new school year, I know from practice
that we will have seen
Nonstop TV Watching!
Too Much Time Spent Indoors! Numerous
Proclamations Of ‘I’m Bored!’
I have good intentions for productive summer vacations. However, my will to carry them out can easily
go by the wayside if I’m not vigilant. A
houseful of people who suddenly find themselves with unlimited time on their hands
can lead to the worst types of idleness.
I have accepted this truth and try to overcome it; after
all, I am the role model here. I don’t
want my children living here when they’re my age. Year to year, we have mild success at being productive
through the summer months. The kids take
suggestions with variable aplomb; they respect and know that my directives are
expected to be carried out and that I never ask them to do anything that they
are incapable of doing. They push back,
but they know that I mean well for them.
When Paul wrote his letter to the Thessalonians, he
outlined a life that was expected of them according to God’s plan. Esteem authorities. Be at peace with others. Comfort the weak. Be patient.
Pursue what is good for everyone. Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in everything. Don’t quench the spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Hold onto the good. Stay away from evil. Paul meant well for the Thessalonians,
because he knew that it was what God intended for them.
We would do well to add these items to our list for a
productive life, and not just during certain times of the year. Our behavior, words, and character, if shaped
according to these instructions, will adhere to the good intentions that God has for our lives. He expects it of us.
We may fail amazingly at living up to these expectations
daily, but Paul’s words are meant to encourage us by showing the right way to
live – the good life. God, through Paul,
shows that he knows what’s best for us.
It is never easy to live according to God’s plan for us, but with his
help it is attainable.
Perhaps even more attainable than getting my children to the
library over the summer.
*******
Dear
brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They
work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. Show them great
respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with
each other.
Brothers
and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are
timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.
See
that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other
and to all people.
Always
be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for
this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Do
not stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at prophecies, but test
everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. Stay away from every
kind of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 (NLT)
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