Ah, autumn...my favorite season. Don't misunderstand; I truly enjoy a region that experiences all four seasons, and I have been blessed enough that I have always lived in such a place. After the record heat wave and drought of this past summer, I think everyone was longing for the cooler days of autumn, and now they are finally here.
What glorious days! They are warm and sunny and the evenings bring a chill on every wisp of wind. Morning comes and I am nestled deep in the folds of the fluffy down comforter that drapes over the bed. The sky seems more brilliant than any other time, I think. Perhaps it is only the contrast of the brightly colored leaves of the trees. Yes, autumn is a truly welcome season for me. I don't even mind that it means that winter is not far behind. (I will embrace its glory when it arrives.) But, in the meantime, I bask in the golden days of the most wonderful season of the year.
I often think that my life is a series of seasons, as well. If this is true, then perhaps I am enjoying the autumn of my life right this very minute. That's okay with me. I like my life. I like where I am in my life. Sometimes I wonder if I would have changed anything along the way, if I had known what would happen next. But, the truth of the matter is this: "any arbitrary changes along the way," will naturally change everything that happens after that! Just imagine...no matter what change you would make...it would alter everything past that point. I think it is good that God does not allow me to "know" too much, not even about myself! In His grace, He has chosen to reveal things to me gradually. I have become accustomed to being on a need-to-know basis. And I have discovered that He is true to His word...He has never allowed more to tempt or try me than I can manage at that point in my life. The lessons I have learned were often gleaned from hard fought battles in the trenches of life. I am no stranger to the school-of-hard-knocks. Sometimes it seems as though my name was on the roll for months at a time! Still, I was able, with God's divine help, to get through one more time.
Now that my life has proceeded through several decades, now that I have past the half-century mark, I feel as though I'm in the clubhouse turn. What is there left to do? What great and marvelous plans does He have for me that I cannot even imagine today? Since I am still on a need-to-know basis, I have absolutely no idea what will happen next. But, there is one thing that I am certain of. He lives to love...and He loves me. He knows my name...He walks with me and talks with me, and I plan to make the most of that relationship! While I do not know what the future holds, I most certainly have a plan. I plan to love the Lord with all my heart, and all my soul, and all my might. I plan to seek His approval before I mess things up for myself and possibly others. I plan to thank Him, with a grateful heart, whenever I think of anyone I love and care about. I plan to talk less and listen more...I plan to listen until I really hear. I plan to forgive so quickly that wounds don't have time to worsen and fester. I plan to enjoy this very wonderful life, every moment of every day.
I cannot imagine a more beautiful time than autumn...on this earth, and in my life!!!!!
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
check the warranty
We all know what a warranty is, or at least we have an idea of what it is and what it is supposed to do. In short, a warranty is usually defined as "a written guarantee of the integrity of the product." Okay, so far, so good. That's about what we thought it amounted to.
But, then there are divisions within the overall definition, as well. We soon discover that some warranties are more valuable than others, some are misleading, and some are merely implied, leaving us little space for a claim of any kind, and still others are rather vague and laced with limitations. Therefore, a universal (one size fits all) warranty simply does not exist.
For example, the ceiling fans that we carry at the lighting gallery have a "lifetime" warranty on the motor. Basically that means that if the fan drops a speed or the motor stops running, the owner is entitled to a new one, "motor" that is. If the fan is out of production, then fair market value of the fan (at today's rate) will be applied to another fan that the owner chooses. Sounds simple enough, and actually it really is. When a non-working fan is brought in, we usually just replace the entire unit, blades and all---that way the finish is sure to match. Most customers are happy with this procedure and appreciate how easy it is to activate the warranty. They don't have to box it up and send it somewhere; they just bring it to us and we order the replacement, at no cost to them. However, every once-in-a-while somebody wants an "exact" definition of "lifetime." More than once, we have been asked if it means the lifetime of the fan or the lifetime of the owner.
Well, let me think about this for a moment: if it is the lifetime of the fan, then when it quits, isn't its life over? If so, then what is the point or value of any kind of warranty for it? Okay then, let's say it refers to the lifetime of the owner. Then we are asked if the owner dies, but the fan is still working, does the warranty continue on to the next owner? I'm serious. People actually want this nailed down. And of course, the inevitable question, "What if you go out of business?" As I said before, it can get tricky...trying to understand or activate your warranty. And that got me to thinking...
I wonder what kind of warranty we offer to others when it comes to the "guarantee of our integrity." I remember my parents and grandparents talking about a man's word was his bond, or a handshake on a deal meant something. Sadly, that is not so commonplace to us anymore. We have all been lied to or even tricked by those who pride themselves on being "clever." There is absolutely no guarantee of their integrity.
And what about forgiveness? Do we offer it with a limited warranty or a lifetime warranty? What is the value of our integrity...where is the guarantee that our heart sees the matter as closed, and it will not let our mind take over and destroy the value of the deal.
What about love? Does the love we share with others, whether family or friends, come with a lifetime warranty, or is it subject to those vague limitation clauses? Can they depend on the integrity of the product we have offered or will they be out of luck if we decide to close up the shop...just something to think about.
Then, of course, there are the other attributes of God's presence in our lives...the fruit of His Spirit...things such as patience, goodness, meekness, faith, self-control. What about them, indeed?! Can the recipients of our "fruit" depend on a good product with a lifetime warranty or are there strings attached? Is there real integrity in our motives and actions, or is it merely implied?
What about faith? Can they depend on us to pray when they pour out their hearts like water on thirsty ground? Is there a record of integrity in our warranty that assures them that we will, indeed, stand in the gap, and storm the gates of hell with nothing but a water pistol, if necessary, with faith that doesn't wear-out or rust-out?!
When I think about these things and my response to them, it doesn't take very long to discover how my precious Jesus has handled my warranty. It's unconditional and extends beyond a lifetime...to eternity. His personal integrity is more than enough to cover any situation that presents a claim. I can depend on Him...ALWAYS!
It is my earnest hope that we will always strive to be as sincere with the things He has trusted us with, as He has been faithful and true to us. When there is injury, we will offer pardon---no limitations, no expiration. When we love, we will love completely...no strings attached. When we are good and kind...let it be with a pure heart, no expectations for return. Simply put, let our lives come with a lifetime warranty, that others might know that we offer ourselves without reservation, with integrity, that God might be glorified in us always.
But, then there are divisions within the overall definition, as well. We soon discover that some warranties are more valuable than others, some are misleading, and some are merely implied, leaving us little space for a claim of any kind, and still others are rather vague and laced with limitations. Therefore, a universal (one size fits all) warranty simply does not exist.
For example, the ceiling fans that we carry at the lighting gallery have a "lifetime" warranty on the motor. Basically that means that if the fan drops a speed or the motor stops running, the owner is entitled to a new one, "motor" that is. If the fan is out of production, then fair market value of the fan (at today's rate) will be applied to another fan that the owner chooses. Sounds simple enough, and actually it really is. When a non-working fan is brought in, we usually just replace the entire unit, blades and all---that way the finish is sure to match. Most customers are happy with this procedure and appreciate how easy it is to activate the warranty. They don't have to box it up and send it somewhere; they just bring it to us and we order the replacement, at no cost to them. However, every once-in-a-while somebody wants an "exact" definition of "lifetime." More than once, we have been asked if it means the lifetime of the fan or the lifetime of the owner.
Well, let me think about this for a moment: if it is the lifetime of the fan, then when it quits, isn't its life over? If so, then what is the point or value of any kind of warranty for it? Okay then, let's say it refers to the lifetime of the owner. Then we are asked if the owner dies, but the fan is still working, does the warranty continue on to the next owner? I'm serious. People actually want this nailed down. And of course, the inevitable question, "What if you go out of business?" As I said before, it can get tricky...trying to understand or activate your warranty. And that got me to thinking...
I wonder what kind of warranty we offer to others when it comes to the "guarantee of our integrity." I remember my parents and grandparents talking about a man's word was his bond, or a handshake on a deal meant something. Sadly, that is not so commonplace to us anymore. We have all been lied to or even tricked by those who pride themselves on being "clever." There is absolutely no guarantee of their integrity.
And what about forgiveness? Do we offer it with a limited warranty or a lifetime warranty? What is the value of our integrity...where is the guarantee that our heart sees the matter as closed, and it will not let our mind take over and destroy the value of the deal.
What about love? Does the love we share with others, whether family or friends, come with a lifetime warranty, or is it subject to those vague limitation clauses? Can they depend on the integrity of the product we have offered or will they be out of luck if we decide to close up the shop...just something to think about.
Then, of course, there are the other attributes of God's presence in our lives...the fruit of His Spirit...things such as patience, goodness, meekness, faith, self-control. What about them, indeed?! Can the recipients of our "fruit" depend on a good product with a lifetime warranty or are there strings attached? Is there real integrity in our motives and actions, or is it merely implied?
What about faith? Can they depend on us to pray when they pour out their hearts like water on thirsty ground? Is there a record of integrity in our warranty that assures them that we will, indeed, stand in the gap, and storm the gates of hell with nothing but a water pistol, if necessary, with faith that doesn't wear-out or rust-out?!
When I think about these things and my response to them, it doesn't take very long to discover how my precious Jesus has handled my warranty. It's unconditional and extends beyond a lifetime...to eternity. His personal integrity is more than enough to cover any situation that presents a claim. I can depend on Him...ALWAYS!
It is my earnest hope that we will always strive to be as sincere with the things He has trusted us with, as He has been faithful and true to us. When there is injury, we will offer pardon---no limitations, no expiration. When we love, we will love completely...no strings attached. When we are good and kind...let it be with a pure heart, no expectations for return. Simply put, let our lives come with a lifetime warranty, that others might know that we offer ourselves without reservation, with integrity, that God might be glorified in us always.
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