Ain’t it the Truth…
Two years ago on this date, I was discharged from Northern Colorado Rehab Hospital. I came home on that day in my power wheelchair and handicap van and enjoyed my first meal at home with some friends. Today, I enjoyed celebrating the season with friends at the Foothills Republican Club at Pinehurst County Club Lakewood. George Brauchler, Jr. was the speaker. He is the District Attorney who tried the case for the Aurora Theater ramp several years ago. George’s father, and his wife Annette attended my church and served as my treasurer during my six years in the Colorado House.
After visiting my mother, I returned to northern Colorado in time for a reception at Northern Colorado Rehab Hospital with a “Professionals for Seniors” group. So I found myself back to the halls that I had left two years ago.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “A good attitude will support you when you are sick, but if you give up, nothing can help.” Proverbs 18:14 ERV
I finished reading through the Bible ten days ago, so I have been reading the Book of Proverbs. I am using the “Easy to Read Version” (ERV). As I came chapters 18 and 19 I found some relevant Proverbs for today. As I read these verses I found the words coming to my mind, “ain’t it the truth!” I believe those words are from the cowardly lion in the Wizard of Oz. I don’t remember what they were in response to, but his emphatic response is one of the lines out of the movie that has stuck with me.
Since today marks the second anniversary of my leaving Northern Colorado Rehab Hospital bringing nearly five months of my initial hospitalization to an end, the verse above seems appropriate. Solomon, even thousands of years ago recognized that your attitude in a health crisis makes the difference. Even in the midst of some challenging and painful circumstances, with my future being uncertain, giving up was never an option.
I have been surprised at the number of people, even when they meet me for the first time and hear of my story, comment about my positive attitude. Visiting with a former legislative colleague recently this topic came up and I responded, “that’s the only way I knew how to approach my illness.”
Reflecting on my legislative days another verse in Proverbs 18 was one that I had framed on my Capitol office wall.
“The first person to speak always seems right until someone comes and asks the right questions.” (Prov. 18:17 ERV) The saying goes, “there are always two sides of a story.” In life, leadership and decision making, you soon realize that listening to “both sides” and asking the right questions reveals much about an issue or conflict at hand. It is always interesting for legislators to have lobbyists representing both sides of an issue to come to your office in close proximity to each other. You can feel like you have the information you need and soon you find yourself thinking, “I never thought about that” as the other side presents is talking points.
As a leader I have learned the lesson in this proverb, “Being excited about something is not enough. You must also know what you are doing. Don’t rush into something, or you might do it wrong.” (Prov. 19:2 ERV)
As a pastor, I know the temptation to find a “key” to success or church growth. Many pastors or business leaders have been inspired at a conference or from the experience of someone else and quickly tries to duplicate the success without understanding the proper steps for implementation and acceptance. Many failures are due to improper execution more than a poor idea or concept.
I have also seen the truth of this proverb in people’s lives, “People ruin their lives with the foolish things they do, and then they blame the Lord for it.” (Prov. 19:3 NCV)
Someone once said, “there is no cure for stupid.” People may believe they are doing the right thing, or they may just assume that the Lord will “bail them out” of a jam. But when we fail to bring the Lord into the our plans and our actions, it is difficult to blame Him for the failed results. Instead it is important to, “Ask the Lord to bless your plans, and you will be successful in carrying them out.” (Prov. 16:3 GNT) Better yet is to ask the Lord to give you the plans.
Finally, a good goal in life is found in these words of wisdom, “Respect the Lord and you will have a good life, one that is satisfying and free from trouble.” (Prov. 19:23 ERV)
As you read the Bible you will find truth that speaks to our life today and guides us in the direction we should take.