Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Daily Increments

We have good days and not so good days.

Years ago, when I lived here in Eureka, I worked in the woods as a tree faller. It was hard, dangerous work. Working in forests filled with monster redwoods and Douglas fir can be daunting, dangerous, and stress-filled one day and unbelievably - euphorically - satisfying the next. My foreman had a saying: "sometimes you get the bear, and sometimes the bear gets you."

That's just the way it is.

My theology definitely doesn't answer the questions I want to ask, but Jesus does in one teaching when He says, "don't worry about tomorrow... each day has enough trouble..." you know how the verse goes. We do what we can to make it through the day. That's what we do.

Suzie and I fight, we blame shift, and then when we feel better, we treat each other better. Not exactly the way I would do marriage counseling, but this isn't a counseling session; its real life. I wish I could say we handle the stress well. All I can say is that we're committed to seeing this thing through. If we think about the future or the past or what someone else has done to make this situation this situation, we're overwhelmed. It's too much information for my brain to process.

But there's grace for today. Today is all it seems the Lord expects to handle; just today. I might have goals and expectations and hopes for the future, but I honestly think, according to a loose interpretation of Jesus words, we're only accountable for the moment. When you think about it, that's all we have control over anyway; this moment. The past has slipped away and the future isn't ours to control. It's scary, but freeing.

Living it out can be difficult, but, once again, we're only have power over this moment. And limited power, at that. That's the philosophy I've tried to live by the past few months. I don't know if that helps. But sometimes this knowledge helps me.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great thoughts. Somehow, taking life in 24-hour increments seems so much more manageable.

Anonymous said...

Bryon,
I have a great sermon for you to listen to... I will copy and send or you can download. Jon Courson Chapter 10 Revelations... I thought of you guys continuously through the sermon as he really hits your point out of the park... let me know if you want me to send it or if you are able to listen online... we are still praying!
The Edwards

Anonymous said...

a superb point to ponder...just handle the 'day'...I like it.

Bryonm said...

Trent and Emily:

I'm looking forward to getting that link.

Luann: thanks for asking the questions to get me thinking. That's your gift :)

Billy: great to hear from you, bro'...

Anonymous said...

I was at Calvary Jupiter about 4 years ago and worked in the youth group with both of your kids, I have been praying for you and will continue daily. Your family is an inspiration.

Chrissy Soucy

Bryonm said...

thanks for your prayers, Chrissy...

Anonymous said...

Those are great words to read. I will think about them when I am at work and people start frustrating me. Thanks.