As Annie told you yesterday, we just got back from a great family vacation in Northern Michigan.  During our vacation, we were able to spend some time with Annie’s Uncle, Aunt, Cousin Mark, and Mark’s wife. We also had a dinner that included everyone plus Mark’s daughter, her husband, and their son. I can’t say enough about this entire family except I have truly been blessed to be a part of this family and have secretly adopted them as my own family. I love hanging out with her Uncle; he is a solid guy, true outdoors sportsman, and always has great stories to tell. Her Aunt is an exceptional, sweet, loving lady and has a wealth of knowledge about the sites and surroundings of Northern Michigan. And this is only a glimpse of what I love about them. We love going to see them and are always truly sad when it’s time to leave.

 This year, Annie’s cousin Mark and his wife were in for the entire week so we were able to see them more than we have in the past. Mark’s wife is a sweetheart and always expresses a genuine interest in the family. But my time with Mark is what led me to writing this post. If you read yesterday’s post on the Salmon fishing trip, it was Annie’s cousin Mark who arranged that night and took me out fishing. Again, I can’t say enough about Mark.  He is an awesome guy and it’s evident he comes from “good stock.”  Mark is one of those guys that isn’t over the top, but when he says something there is a lot of wisdom in his words. One day when we were together talking, we had a great conversation on people’s perspectives, including our own, and how if you don’t step back to get a full view, you can miss the big picture.

 

Mark shared this poem with us in a recent email and I thought I would share it with you. I don’t know the author, but it has a great message.  The theme of this poem is a common thread that runs throughout the Bible and is what makes my faith even stronger. Jesus has no favorites.  We are all sinners, but HE knows that.  And, unlike the way most of us look at life, HIS playing field is even and HE has no superstars, just broken people who HE is willing to help up with HIS free gift.

 Here’s the poem; reflect on these words.

 I was shocked, confused, bewildered

As I entered Heaven’s door,

Not by the beauty of it all,

Nor the lights or its decor.

But it was the folks in Heaven

Who made me sputter and gasp–

The thieves, the liars, the sinners,

The alcoholics and the trash

There stood the kid from seventh grade

Who swiped my lunch money twice.

Next to him was my old neighbor

Who never said anything nice.

Bob, who I always thought

Was rotting away in hell,

Was sitting pretty on cloud nine,

Looking incredibly well.

I nudged Jesus, “What’s” the deal?

I would love to hear your take.

How’d all these sinners get up here?

God must’ve made a mistake.

‘And why is everyone so quiet,

So somber – give me a clue.’

‘Hush, child,’ He said,

‘they’re all in shock.

No one thought they’d be seeing you.’

JUDGE NOT!!

 Remember…Just going to church doesn’t make you a

Christian any more than standing in your garage makes you a car.

Every saint has a PAST…

Every sinner has a FUTURE!

Now it’s your turn… Share this poem.

Life without God is like an unsharpened pencil… It has no point!