Cycles, they spin and repeat. As a child, I would turn my bicycle upside-down, turn the pedal crank and watch as the tire spun. Over and over it would repeat itself. We would be able to see if the tire was good or if in fact the rim was still good after going over all of the curbs and bumps on our regular rides. What did we need to do to go on the next ride? The seasons too, Tatum has been graced by a cool weather front that brings back the memories of sweaters and long-sleeve shirts, the seasons repeat. We prepare by looking to he closets and pulling out the seasonal clothing. Each day we wake up, live and then go back to sleep. We have seasons in our life, when it is that we awake and finally go back to sleep. Yesterday brought both the end of a season and the beginning of another. Yesterday marked a wonderful day in my life, and a sad day in another. Yesterday we greeted Madison Bradley into the world at 6 lbs., 12 oz. Yesterday we said good-bye to Lavada Thornton after a long and brave life. Maddie, as she will be known, Maddie is my new niece, the daughter of my sister, Michelle and brother-in-law Mark. Lavada is the sister of Beauford, a church member, his last.
Hear the Good News, when we understand the life Christ gives to us and the beauty of it, we understand that life is much more than cycles. Life is this thing we get. Life is the opportunity to maximize who we are and who others are. Life is what we do between the seasons. Life is what we do from the time we wake up and go to sleep. Understanding life in this way calls us to look at the opportunities we have and respond in a faithful and true manner. Life is not something to be selfish with or negligent with, because, it marks who we are and what we are about. As Christ has come into our life, He gives us the choice to live it abundantly, or to live it for ourselves. Life comes in and life goes out. As Lavada was leaving us, Maddie was joining us. The cycle continues. Now the cycle of Maddie's life begins, and it is up to Michelle and Mark. But what of your life, your cycle? What is it that is repeating in your life?
Prayer:
Lord, the wheels of life are turning within me. I struggle when I hit bumps, let me respond in a manner that is reflective of having life abundantly. Let me live my life for you and others, knowing full well that in doing so, I will also be living for me. Thank You for the life of both Maddie and Lavada, let us be faithful to both as we continue the cycle of life. Be with Mark and Michelle as they raise their daughter to know You and in the same manner receive Lavada into Your loving arms, that she might know a new life yet again. Thank You for all that You have done in my life and all You will continue to do, for I ask this through Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.