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A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about "How To Die", so I thought that I should also write about "How To Live".
My first suggestion on how to live is to do everything that we can to communicate with others, even when we are told that we must physically distance. Recently, I have telephoned people that I have been prevented from seeing, and I have been pleasantly surprised to hear how that simple call has been helpful. Recently, a friend told me that he had periodically wondered what it would be like to be a prisoner, but that because of the current pandemic, now he knows. We are built to interact with others.
Secondly, I believe that we can live much better if we take a positive view of everything that happens.
In 1970, I was transferred from Toronto, Ontario, to Bromont in the eastern townships of Quebec.
The winter of 1970/71 was one of the snowiest ever. When the snow came and came and came, it was increasingly difficult to move. During twelve days that winter, the snowplows couldn't even open the roads.
Many residents of Montreal enjoyed skiing on Mount Bromont. They were upset and frustrated by the blocked roads. Our children, however, were delighted that schools were closed and that they had the ski lifts almost to themselves.
Near the third tee of the hilly golf course, we had built a house that looked out to the ninth green located at the base of the ski slopes. The roof sloped down from the side facing the ski slopes to our garage. The snow was so deep that we could go up to the top of the roof and toboggan all the way down.
In February 1971, a famous motivational speaker from the southern United States came to visit us. His driver got stuck in the snow near our house but after they were extricated from the deep snow, our children took the speaker to the top of our house with its breathtaking view. Following an exciting slide down from the rooftop on a toboggan, I can still hear him saying, "This is livin'! This is livin'!"
Rather than complaining about the inconvenience of the difficult drive from the Montreal airport, Lee revelled in the marvellous benefits of more snow than he had ever seen.
Thirdly, and most importantly, we should follow the directions given by Jesus if we truly want to live.
John 14:6 – Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (NIV)
John 11:25-26 – Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" (NIV)
And Paul reinforced this principle in his letter to the church at Philippi:
Philippians 1:21 – For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. (NIV)
Prayer: Dear Father, as we consider how to live, may we reach out to others, particularly in this time of enforced isolation. Help us to see everything in a positive way. But most importantly, may we realize that true life comes only through belief in our Lord and Saviour. In His name, we pray. Amen.
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Amen to your prayer.
Another good one, Vincent.
A lovely story and great reminder, Vincent. God bless!
Thanks!
(BC)
Very good read.
Thank you.
Vincent – another thought-provoking devotional. Absolutely agree that we must reach out – particularly in these times! God Bless.
Many thanks for reminding me of these three key points and I also remember i970-71 winter and enjoyed your story!! Have a great day!
Always delightful to read your stories, Vincent, and how they apply to our life in Christ. Unforgettable tobogganing stories – so memorable.
HI Vincent,
Your devotionals always hit the spot and make me think!
Thank you.
(Texas)
So good… another great devotional and so appropriate for today.
I took a photo of the sunset on our beach near Barrie, through one of the ice tunnels in early March.
Because of Covid we have time to enjoy God’s handiwork!
God bless you.
Good Morning
This is another great one and oh, the toboggan rides sound like a hoot!!! I remember when we had snow for sure but not quite as much as you.
I am so thankful for scripture that truly tells us how to really live and how much God loves us.
Have a great week, my friend. May God bless you as you share His love to others.
Hello Vince,
Thank you for another very meaningful devotional. Yes, during this time of social distancing and gathering restrictions, many people are feeling lonely and isolated and just receiving a phone call can give them such a lift. Truly being positive is very helpful too and following the actions of “What would Jesus do” is the right way to go.
Blessings.
Good morning Vince. I remember that winter vividly.
My sister’s wedding was around that time. The groom’s parents were coming from several hours away. They made it to a village about 20 minutes away from the Church where they encountered a blocked highway. So close, but yet so far. They held the wedding off as long as possible. Sadly, the parents didn’t make it for the wedding but they did make it to the reception.
Always enjoy your messages.
Blessings.
Good morning Vincent,
I think that was a great idea to write about “How to Live” and I agree wholeheartedly with your suggestion. I had just read Our Daily Bread devotional for today and it was on snow also.
Your snowfall would have inspired a song of delight as everyone tobogganed down the roof and down the hill. What a delightful story to remind us of the importance of human contact. I have also been trying to keep in contact especially with people who live on their own. I cannot say I am good at it, but I do try to make the effort. I am also always greeted with thanks when I do make the call. I pray to God to help me with finding the right words to help alleviate the isolation that we are feeling at this time and be positive and uplifting when I call.
Thanks for the giggles as I pictured everyone sliding down the roof.
Wonderfully put.
Amen.
Dear Mr. Walter,
Once again, I loved your devotional. You always make them so personal and tie them in with scripture readings. I feel so blessed by your words. I always look forward to your writings and you are so gifted in what you do.
Blessings to you and stay safe and healthy.