Face it. Nobody likes being sick. For many seniors, sickness disrupts life more than we would like. That’s why today’s verse is so comforting as it foresees the time when no one, ever again, will say, “I am sick.” No one will say those words in heaven, the new Jerusalem.

Of course, we’re still here on earth, where sickness and all manner of physical problems can bring frustration and fear. What can we do? Scripture offers a wealth of comfort and advice. Don’t give up (Joshua 1:9). Give your worries to God (1 Peter 5:6-7). Pray (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Believe in God’s goodness (Romans 8:28). Take heart (John 16:33). Absorb God’s Word (Colossians 3:16). Above all, focus on Jesus, who like “the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings” (Malachi 4:2).

We’ve had to buy several new things recently — a new car, a new hot water heater, and a new air conditioner. Because of the unanticipated expenses and hassles, I must say that purchasing new things is getting old!

It’s easy to take for granted a car that transports you around, a cool house on a summer day, a hot shower in the morning. When things go wrong, however, we realize the value of the things we depend on for convenience and comfort. Likewise, we often take for granted the life- sustaining gifts we have in Jesus. At no cost to us, Jesus continually creates in us a clean heart, forgiving our sins and leading us by His Spirit. Each day we receive these gifts anew. They are blessings that never get old!

I remember being chosen for a game in my grade school days. In the game, the first two children selected chase the others shouting, “Pump, pump, pull away!” as all are asked

to run between goals. When tagged, the caught children help catch the rest. The last one caught is declared winner. Our being tagged by God depends completely on God’s grace, given to us in Christ Jesus, not pumping or chasing on our own. Colossians encourages a life filled with holiness, compassionate hearts, etc., but the important part is that we have received these blessings from God. He fosters in us a Christ-filled life overflowing with love. Because Jesus died on the cross and rose on Easter morning, God promises us eternal life with Him. We exhibit these qualities: holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.

Oh, what I could have been … I could have been more confident in athletics. I could have been more socially adept. I could have asked my parents more about themselves. I could have balanced work and home better. I could have been a better witness of Jesus. Couldn’t I have been a better version of myself? Do you ever participate in the second-guessing game?

Jesus doesn’t. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). He does not regret creating us in our mothers’ wombs. He does not regret dying for our sins on Calvary. He does not regret absolving us, loving us, having mercy on us. God does this every morning. He does not withdraw the welcome sign from our heavenly home. Never second-guess Jesus’ love for you.

As a left-hander, I have learned how to deal with a right-handed world. I appreciate meeting another left-hander.

I used to groan when I heard about God’s right hand in the Bible, such as when God says in Isaiah, “I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Why this emphasis on His right hand? But then I heard that in Bible times, the king would raise his right hand to show that he would keep his promise, just as the president raises his right hand at his inauguration. Speaking about God’s right hand reminds us how He keeps His promises, through Jesus, to uphold us with His love and forgiveness when we’re feeling down!

So, God’s right hand is important, even for us lefties!

The king in Jesus’ parable had been busy. He planned a feast for his son’s wedding, drew up a guest list, sent invitations, slaughtered livestock, and prepared dinner. When the original

invitations were refused, he revised the guest list — twice! Yet when he entered the banquet hall, he ejected a guest for not wearing the proper wedding garment.

Extreme behavior? Take another look. All actions in the story — planned, drew up, sent, slaughtered, prepared — were done by the king. He himself provided the wedding garment. The guest had done nothing but relied on his own clothes instead. What will you wear to the eternal banquet to which you have been invited? Your clothes of self-righteousness? Jesus has provided a perfect, new garment for you through His death and resurrection.

Growing up in the late 1930s and early 1940s was so calm and simple even though a world war was occurring. Parents and teachers in a Lutheran school guided me with love. I enjoyed frequent family gatherings with just a radio or newspaper as the entry into the outside world. I got married and had three sons. What happened to those simple days?

The days are gone forever, but their memories remain as a guide in today’s complex world. We are a guide to our families and others, which is so important. We may lose a spouse, a child, or a close friend and provide a guide to others to show the world may have changed, but we haven’t — especially our love for our Father God, our ultimate guide.

After the small-town festival, we found a pricey parking violation on our windshield. Staring at the sign, which stood on a truck bed in front of our car, we all quoted aloud, “Free parking today — Special Event.” WE felt violated!!

In my angst, I submitted a complaint describing the scene. The response explained that particular sign was in transit, and we could bring our case to court! How would I get back there to contest this injustice?

With a new approach, I turned my thoughts away from feeling attacked and toward God’s divine nature. He clarified the situation. I resubmitted a dispute in one simple sentence. The violation was promptly canceled. God’s “invisible attributes” offer me a fresh start in dealing with pain, grief, pride, and conflict. God’s divine nature renews our ways!

Life is different for all of us. We each have hopes, dreams, and goals we want to accomplish. Sometimes, life goes well, and things fall into place. Other times, our best hopes, dreams, and plans get derailed, and we must start over. It may have been because of a job loss, divorce, natural disaster, or death. We are left in the aftermath wondering, “What do I do now?”

As humans, we find ourselves at a crossroads in life sometimes. At those moments, often all we can do is stop, pray, and wait for God’s guidance. He has told us that He has plans for us. His plan is perfect in Christ. Even though we may not understand those plans, we can pray for guidance and continue to trust Him.

Habits and traditions give us a sense of comfort. They make life feel less stressful. They can also be a trap. We settle for the old and comfortable even when life feels stale and stagnant.

Looking back, some of the best times in our lives required immense change. The birth of a child. Marriage. A new job. These changes, and many more, serve to revitalize our lives. They can lead to new seasons of life that we never imagined.

God often works through unexpected changes to renew and revitalize our relationship with Him and with other Christians. He can use them to call us to new ministries and people who desperately need to hear and experience His love and forgiveness. We can become His heart and hands and feet in ways we never imagined.